Joseph R. DeMar, a South Main resident, told council that a recent, unplanned period in which South Main operated as a single lane in each direction has slowed traffic, reduced noise and created space used by bicyclists.

"My observations living on Main Street is that the traffic has slowed, which is a good thing because the slower traffic is much quieter," DeMar said, adding that the change added roughly a minute to trips across town but produced safer conditions for nonmotorized users. He described the outer lanes as effectively functioning as bike lanes during the period and said he rode his bicycle downtown that day "and it was wonderful having a lane to myself."

DeMar recommended the city preserve that configuration after construction ends: keep one travel lane in each direction, add a center turning lane, and convert the outer lanes into formal bike lanes. His comments were delivered during public comment; the council did not record any formal direction or motion on the suggestion during the meeting.