As expected, the Sturgeon Bay city council Tuesday agreed to change 4th Avenue, Kentucky & Louisiana Streets from one way to two way status during its regular meeting. Alderman John Lodl cast the only dissenting vote. The executive summary included in the meeting’s agenda concluded that there was no longer a need to service a large volume of traffic on 4th Avenue & northbound traffic could easily be serviced by a single travel lane. The report recommended the changeover to two way traffic on 4th Avenue when the street is being reconstructed. The recommendation also called for two way traffic on Kentucky & Louisiana Streets. There were attempts to divide the issue with Mayor Thad Birmingham calling for a trial period on Kentucky & Louisiana Streets. However, a resolution offered by alderman Bob Schlicht to consider discussing traffic patterns on 4th Avenue & Kentucky & Louisiana separately was defeated. During discussion on two way traffic on 4th Avenue, alderman John Lodl expressed concern that the changeover could have unintended consequences, such as the proliferation of stop signs at every corner & traffic spillage into residential areas. Lodl said, based on those concerns & after speaking with constituents, he could not support the proposal as presented.
