After a request from a local business looking to expand its operations, Yorkton city council members are pondering the permanent closure of a portion of Seventh Avenue North along Broadway Avenue in the city. The concept however, isn't sitting well with many residents, some of whom were in attendance at Monday evening's regular meeting of council to express concerns.
"The reason for the closure of the street is to allow the owner of 145 Broadway Street East (Home Hardware) to connect it with 117 Seventh Avenue North and create a larger, contiguous property. This will enable expanded capacity for the existing hardware/lumber store and for construction of ready-to-move dwellings," said a printed proposal issued for public comment. "Northbound traffic would no longer be available from the intersection of Seventh Avenue North and Broadway Street East... a portion of Seventh Avenue would become a bay/cul-de-sac..." Resident and emergency vehicle access would also be provided.
In a city that's growing, council of the day should be looking at street lights, as well as adding roadways and more parking rather than thinking about closures pointed out local business owner and resident along Sixth Avenue Kirk Weinmaster. With traffic flow and parking already a concern in the congested area, residents wonder what a road closure will offer to the situation.
Speaking on behalf of downtown business owners, the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce also expressed concern at Monday's meeting.
"I feel if the city allows this to go through it will be making a huge mistake," says business owner Bryce Sherring. "There is no city or town anywhere (except for Lloydminster) that would allow a home manufacturing facility to operate on their main street! Over the past ten years Yorkton has spent huge money to beautify Broadway with lights, cobblestone type sidewalks, flower planters etc. Why do they want to allow a home manufacturer to build homes on our main street?..."
"Our city is growing and our traffic is increasing. More businesses means more employees and more parking is required," said a letter sent to council signed by seven residents along Sixth Avenue. "Our two main traffic arteries for downtown traffic in Yorkton are Broadway Street and Smith Street. Closing Access between two streets will place more traffic on the streets remaining. The vehicles parking on Seventh Avenue will have to find parking elsewhere. Probably Sixth Avenue. The Holiday Inn Express is nearing completion and will surely increase traffic ... Parked vehicles and increased traffic along Sixth could spell disaster..."
Given the amount feedback received and the number of concerns expressed, council has agreed to hold off on any final decision pending further consideration.
"While Planning Services believes there is merit in the proposed closure," said Gord Shaw, the city's director of planning and engineering to council, "concern has been expressed from numerous property owners and it has been suggested that the city should allow more time for public consultation. Given the long term impact of the proposed closure, it is recommended that the Bylaw be deferred to a later meeting in order to provide for further response time from affected parties."
