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Business owner warns proposed one-way conversion on 87th–88th would limit customer access
Summary
A local barber said a plan to make parts of 87th and 88th one-way northbound could eliminate his customers' preferred route into his parking lot and worsen congestion during the state fair, urging the council to consider alternatives that protect both safety and business access.
Carlos Gonzales, who owns NKG Barber Shop near 88th Street and Greenfield Avenue, told the July 21 council meeting that a proposed ordinance to convert the 1,400 blocks of 87th and 88th to one-way northbound would make entering and exiting his business more difficult.
"Because of how our parking lot is designed, the main entrance is located on 88th Street," Gonzales said. He argued the change could force customers to use Greenfield Avenue — already congested during the Wisconsin State Fair — or to take longer routes that degrade safety and convenience. Gonzales asked the council to explore alternative measures that improve pedestrian and child safety without cutting off safe access to local businesses.
Gonzales described how other businesses on 87th have rear parking with alley access while his storefront relies on direct access from 88th; he said the proposed change would have a disproportionate impact on his customers and could increase the risk of difficult turns onto Greenfield. No council action was taken on the proposal during the meeting.
