Rochelle Businesses Support Keeping Lincoln Avenue One Way

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Downtown Business Association met Tuesday night with several city officials, including Mayor John Bearrows and City Manager Zeke Jackson, to discuss the temporary one way traffic pattern on Lincoln Avenue and other downtown concerns. Most businesses contacted by city staff supported keeping Lincoln Avenue one way, and a city survey also showed strong support for making the change permanent. Staff reported no major traffic impacts so far, although drivers must use alternate routes around the block. Truck deliveries were discussed as a concern for some businesses, particularly when larger trucks cannot use Lincoln Avenue or navigate some of the downtown alleys. Businesses said most deliveries take about 15 minutes, and possible loading areas or other temporary measures were discussed. Employee parking was another concern, with ideas including a four hour parking limit or designating the 400 block for customer parking. City officials suggested waiting until additional downtown parking lots are open before deciding whether parking restrictions are needed. The city also plans to address the temporary barricades at Lincoln Highway and Lincoln Avenue with improved markings and signage if the one way pattern becomes permanent. Officials discussed a possible stop sign at Cherry Avenue and Main Street because a parked bus near the senior center can limit visibility for drivers and pedestrians. The city also will look into whether the bus parking location can be changed and whether additional traffic controls are needed as activity increases downtown.