BMA to hold public meeting for Sheffield Road one-way changeover

Nov. 19—Two business owners on Sheffield Road worried about their commerce wrote to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen this month to oppose a recommendation that would make the road a one-way.

On Tuesday, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen are holding a special public meeting at 6 p.m., ahead of the regular meeting, for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions.

"Two-way access is critical to Nouria's business and when the property was developed, a curb cut and driveway were established to support vehicles traveling west on Sheffield Road," wrote local lawyer John Cronin on behalf of Nouria South Energy Will Street LLC at 510 Harvey Road. "Nouria opposes the plan to make Sheffield a one-way street."

Last month, Aldermen voted to accept and adopt the recommendation, but have not yet reviewed or taken a vote on a final proposal. If the project is approved, it will go to bid in late 2025.

In the interim, Aldermen will have three options to choose from — making Sheffield Road a one-way, westbound from South Willow Street toward Harvey Road, keeping Sheffield road as a two-way until the final property and then turning it into a one-way, westbound from South Willow Street toward Harvey or allow only local traffic to travel the roadway in both directions and restricting all others to one-way, westbound, according to a report submitted by Owen Friend-Gray, deputy director of the Department of Public Works.

Neither plan is without pros and cons.

First plan:

Sheffield Road becomes a one-way, westbound from, South Willow Street toward Harvey Road.

Pros: The road will be accessible to all drivers and it will eliminate the turn out from Sheffield Road onto South Willow Street.

Cons: Two businesses on Sheffield Road, including Nouria's, have expressed opposition to the recommendation as it would be difficult for large trucks to navigate because of the angle of South Willow Street onto Sheffield Road and significant upgrades to the roadway might be needed to give trucks safe access and room to turn.

Second plan:

Sheffield Road remains a two-way roadway except between South Willow Street and Harvey Road.

Pros: The road will be accessible to all drivers, it will eliminate the turn out from Sheffield Road onto South Willow Street and it will maintain truck access to businesses from Harvey Road.

Cons: There would be no space or a turnaround which would require the purchase of land in that area to prevent vehicles from backing out of the street or getting stuck. The only notification of the lane switch would be signage and it could result in a head-on collision by drivers if missed and it would change accessibility to businesses and their access to South Willow Street.

Third plan:

Allow only local traffic to travel the roadway in both directions and restricting all others to one-way, westbound, from South Willow Street to Harvey Road.

Pros: It will eliminate the turn out from Sheffield Road onto South Willow Street, it will maintain truck access to businesses from Harvey Road and it will minimize the number of vehicles using Sheffield Road.

Cons: The road would not be accessible to all drivers, there would be no space or a turnaround, which would require the purchase of land in that area to prevent vehicles from backing out of the street or getting stuck. The only notification of the lane switch would be signage and it could result in a head-on collision by drivers if missed and it would change accessibility to businesses and their access to South Willow Street.

If approved, business owner Steven Granese fears the lack of access to Granese-Sheffield LLC, a domestic liability company, would lessen the value of his property and make it inconvenient for customers and employees to access.

"A proposal like this requires greater notice given the damage it will do to our property and the properties of our neighbors," Granese wrote in a letter to Aldermen. "If the goal is public safety, there are more appropriate measures which could be taken (e.g., clearing sight lines, improving turning lanes, etc.), without damaging taxpayers' interests."

Residents are encouraged to join Aldermen on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at 1 City Hall Plaza on the third floor in the Aldermanic Chambers.

According to city documents, 100% of roadway design and construction will be covered by state and federal funds.