Committee debates one-way Park Street idea, seeks broader traffic-calming on surrounding streets

The City of Charles Town Infrastructure Committee revisited a public-hearing item on Park Street parking and traffic after a hearing that drew three comments (one in favor, two opposed). Chair raised the original proposal "to make it a 1 way," and said residents worried that rerouting traffic would push speeding and unsafe conditions onto nearby Liberty Street. "So the original proposal had been to make it a 1 way," the Chair said.

Committee members noted on-the-ground observations that two-way travel can be unsafe on narrow local streets. One committee member said a resident reported nearly being struck there, and several members suggested traffic-calming alternatives — repainting crosswalks, hashed markings to create a narrowed feel, and temporary pop-up calming devices — rather than immediately changing flow. The committee also discussed using the MPO for GIS inventory and inviting Strong Towns for a walking audit; the Chair identified local Strong Towns staff members who might be willing to help as individuals.

The committee reviewed Article 305 of the municipal code, which staff identified as giving the city manager authority to place traffic-control devices, and debated whether changes should go through ordinance updates or be handled administratively. Members agreed to table formal action and return the Park Street matter with broader area recommendations that include Liberty Street safety measures.