Village trustees voted June 16 to approve an ordinance making 73rd and 74th avenues on the north side of Summit one-way streets, running between 59th Street and Archer Avenue.
Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez said the move was aimed at improving safety.
“It will be a learning curve for everyone,” Rodriguez said. “The reasoning behind it is to make it a bit more safe for everyone since the streets are narrow and at times, people are using our streets to cut through to avoid traffic delays on either Archer Road, Archer Avenue, or Harlem Avenue.”
Village Administrator Jerry Hurckes agreed, adding that traffic and pedestrian safety are ongoing concerns.
“It becomes a traffic and pedestrian hazard, and the streets aren’t wide enough,” Hurckes said. “Parking is at a premium, so taking one side away wouldn’t be the right thing to do. Big construction projects are coming up that will affect traffic, and this is a plan to keep gridlock under control within the village.”
Under the new plan:
- 72nd Avenue, near the Fleetwood roller rink, will remain one way northbound.
- 73rd Avenue will become one way going south from Archer to 59th.
- 74th Avenue will become one way going north from 59th to Archer.
Temporary yard signs have been placed at intersections to alert drivers of the changes. Permanent signage is expected to follow soon.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, though many residents support the change, citing safety concerns due to drivers using alleys to bypass traffic.
“The amount of people that cut through town using the alleys like they’re a free for all is ridiculous,” one commenter wrote. “It’s a constant issue and I’m glad they did something to hopefully improve the safety of residents.”
Rodriguez and Hurckes said the village will begin with warnings for drivers who travel the wrong way. Enforcement, including tickets and fines, will follow after an initial grace period.