STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) — The City of Stevens Point has reached a significant milestone in its redesign of the Business 51 Corridor, completing 30% of the design plan.
The plan sparked controversy among residents and business owners alike. The piece was on display at an open house at Pacelli High School, which drew more than 25 attendees, including Cole Racine, owner of Belt Soft Serve in Stevens Point.
His business is located right next to Business 51. Racine has been closely monitoring the development of the plan and credits improved community involvement this time around.
“When this plan first came up in 2012, we as a whole business community didn't think it was a good plan. It wasn't good for business,” he said. “I think the city and planners did a better job this time with input from property owners and others.”
Concerns remain among business owners about the potential for negative impacts on their facilities. There are concerns that the proposed lane reductions will hurt access to businesses. Mayor Mike Wiza acknowledged those concerns.
“The important thing to remember is that business owners know what traffic flow is like. It's literally their livelihood,” Wiza said. “But I hope we were right in sticking to the three-lane design.”
Current plans aim to move the corridor from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction and add a right-turn lane.
“Studies show that reducing the number of lanes can be safer. If you are trying to get in front of someone who may be going over the speed limit or slightly under the speed limit, No one jumps in and out,” Wiza added.
However, nothing has been finalized. Elements such as driveway locations and raised medians remain flexible.
Huiza emphasized the importance of community feedback, saying that while this may be the last public viewing until the next council's approval, there are ways to get input through communications with city staff and local councilors. He pointed out that it still remains.
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