Eric Todd, on the ladder, Edwin Dumag and David Callistini from the Sitka Public Works Department install a new ''Do Not Enter'' sign at the corner of Seward Street and American Street this morning. Dozens of new signs have been installed in recent days as part of the Sitka Short-Term Tourism Plan which was developed to deal with the expected visitor increase this year. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
By Sentinel Staff
With no advance public notice, “One-Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs appeared this morning at the top of American Street, a narrow downtown street that has always been open to two-way traffic.
City Public Works Director Michael Harmon said the traffic changes were made in connection with the Short-Term Tourism plan, which closes downtown Lincoln Street to vehicles on days when 3,000 or more cruise tourists are expected.
However, the Short-Term Tourism Plan does not mention the option of turning American Street into a one-way road.
Harmon did not say why there was no advance notice of the change, but said its relevance to the Short-Term Tourism Plan is to make on-street parking on American Street available before the Lincoln Street barrier goes up on closure days. He said the plan is to leave the traffic changes in effect throughout the summer, even on days when Lincoln Street is open.
He said elimination of two-way traffic on American Street also will improve safety for ambulances coming from the Pioneers Home on Barracks Street.
He said city staff including the planning department “had been talking about it for some time.” However, it was never brought up for discussion at any of the public meetings and hearings on the Short-Term Tourism Plan, which the Sentinel covered extensively in its development by the Planning Commission and adoption by the Assembly.
City Planning Director Amy Ainslie declined to comment on American Street becoming a one-way route today.
Sentinel editor and co-publisher Thad Poulson, who has property with frontage on American, Seward, Barracks and Race Street, all of which are affected by the change in the traffic flow around that block, talked with Harmon this morning about the sudden appearance of the directional signs and objected to the lack of personal or public notice that is supposed to be provided when such changes are proposed.
Poulson said conversion of the streets to one-way has been considered by the city in the past, but never implemented for lack of any demonstrable improvement in traffic flow or safety, and the likelihood that they would result in the opposite. He noted that the caution required to drive on these streets not only prevents accidents but makes them among the safest in the city.
