Central Square lane configuration

Brought her own paid-for diagram of the square, cited her own traffic counts, argued one lane can't handle the volumes entering the square and asked for a roll-call vote so residents know where councilors stand.

Property and business owner said traffic currently uses two lanes, backed-out parking is already a manageable pain, and supported keeping two lanes to protect the Stage and neighboring businesses.

Owner of the Stage restaurant said paint won't stop cars from using the space, backing out has been a 45-year problem, and he supports two lanes — noting pedestrian safety concerns there are minimal.

Argued most residents aren't traffic engineers, questioned changing the plan before it's even experienced, and urged weighing trade-offs like walkability and outdoor atmosphere, not just car throughput.

Closing his second comment, challenged the city to try two lanes first — "prove me wrong" — reiterating his two-lane position.

The Vice-Chair, speaking from her experience as a 40-year resident with downtown properties, called moving to one lane "disaster" and urged keeping the two-lane operation that has always worked.