Lawrence Residents Oppose Proposed Change to Street

A handful of residents last Thursday protested the village board’s proposed plan to widen a narrow one-way street off of Central Avenue to allow for two-way traffic.

“You’re looking for an accident waiting to happen if you make it a two-way street,” Liane Feur told Lawrence’s board during its monthly meeting. “William Street is too narrow. It’s not feasible and doable.”

The proposal, drawn up by Cameron Engineering, would widen the currently 18 to 19 foot William Street to 21 feet by eliminating one sidewalk. It would also restrict drivers from making a left turn on to Central Avenue from William Street and eliminate parking spots on the busy street to increase visibility.

The traffic issue stems from drivers exiting the parking lot on William Street, which is near Supermarket on Central, and then traveling on Mulry Lane to get to Washington Avenue. The latter street is prone to heavy traffic, as it accommodates train tracks, a yeshiva and a firehouse.

“They’ve identified several different traffic issues,” Trustee Michael Fragin said. “I would urge everyone to be mindful that we’re trying to address multiple problems at multiple intersections.”

Trustee Joel Mael said this proposal would eliminate the traffic caused by drivers who end up on Washington just to get back on Central Avenue.

“People break the law all the time. We have a major problem there,” he said, referring to William Street. “One thing we could do is put an island there that would not permit turns to Central.”

He added, “Police presence would be the number one way to solve the issue.”

One resident suggested making half of William Street two-way, while leaving the other half alone. Board members said they’d take the idea under consideration.

But another resident, Ann Wertheim, doesn’t think the proposal would help unless some drivers change.

“This is not going to work. This has to be tabled until people obey the law,” she said. “We are not anti change. We’re worried for the safety and welfare of the Five Towns.”