Aberdeen City Council Votes on Controversial 2 Way Main Street Project
September 23, 2025 | City of Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota
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The Aberdeen City Council meeting held on September 22, 2025, focused primarily on the contentious proposal to convert Main Street from a one-way to a two-way traffic system. The meeting began with Brent Fisher, a local property owner, expressing significant concerns regarding the potential loss of parking spaces and safety issues that could arise from the proposed changes.
Fisher highlighted that both plans presented by the council would eliminate at least ten parking spots in the 500 block of South Main Street, which he argued would exacerbate the existing parking shortage downtown. He emphasized that the loss of parking would not only affect local businesses but also create safety hazards for drivers attempting to back out of parking spaces amidst increased traffic congestion.
Fisher further criticized the plans, suggesting that regardless of the chosen option, the changes would lead to traffic backups and complicate the flow of delivery trucks. He noted that community feedback indicated a lack of support for the project, with many residents expressing their desire to halt the initiative. Fisher mentioned that he and other concerned citizens were prepared to gather signatures for a referendum to put the decision to a public vote.
Following Fisher, John Eichinger voiced his opposition to the two-way conversion, questioning the necessity of the project and suggesting that the council should focus on fixing existing infrastructure issues instead. Stewart Burkes echoed this sentiment, advocating for a public vote on significant expenditures and sharing a personal anecdote about a similar situation in California that led to a political backlash against council members who imposed unpopular taxes.
In contrast, Jean Christophe Leonguru, a local bakery owner, supported the two-way street proposal, arguing that it could enhance business opportunities and pedestrian traffic on Main Street.
The meeting underscored a divide among community members regarding the proposed changes to Main Street, with strong sentiments expressed both for and against the initiative. The council's next steps remain uncertain as they weigh the community's feedback and the implications of the proposed traffic changes.
Fisher highlighted that both plans presented by the council would eliminate at least ten parking spots in the 500 block of South Main Street, which he argued would exacerbate the existing parking shortage downtown. He emphasized that the loss of parking would not only affect local businesses but also create safety hazards for drivers attempting to back out of parking spaces amidst increased traffic congestion.
Fisher further criticized the plans, suggesting that regardless of the chosen option, the changes would lead to traffic backups and complicate the flow of delivery trucks. He noted that community feedback indicated a lack of support for the project, with many residents expressing their desire to halt the initiative. Fisher mentioned that he and other concerned citizens were prepared to gather signatures for a referendum to put the decision to a public vote.
Following Fisher, John Eichinger voiced his opposition to the two-way conversion, questioning the necessity of the project and suggesting that the council should focus on fixing existing infrastructure issues instead. Stewart Burkes echoed this sentiment, advocating for a public vote on significant expenditures and sharing a personal anecdote about a similar situation in California that led to a political backlash against council members who imposed unpopular taxes.
In contrast, Jean Christophe Leonguru, a local bakery owner, supported the two-way street proposal, arguing that it could enhance business opportunities and pedestrian traffic on Main Street.
The meeting underscored a divide among community members regarding the proposed changes to Main Street, with strong sentiments expressed both for and against the initiative. The council's next steps remain uncertain as they weigh the community's feedback and the implications of the proposed traffic changes.
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