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Phoenix voters may get chance to weigh in on road configuration Sunday Jun 25, 2017 at 12:01 AM Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune PHOENIX — An advisory vote could be held by residents on whether to retain the one-lane configuration downtown on Main Street instituted in the fall of 2015 or revert to a two-lane setup. Phoenix City Council directed staff at its meeting last week to prepare an advisory ballot measure for a possible future election. Mayor Chris Luz had requested council discussion on a measure for the November special election ballot. Councilors Sarah Westover, Terry Baker and Jim Snyder voted for the measure, while Councilor Stuart Warren opposed it. Members spent an hour hearing public comments and discussing the issue, but the council still needs to approve putting a measure on any ballot. Public input was also taken previously at the council’s June 5 session. Most speakers during nearly one hour of testimony urged that the city go back to the two-lane arrangement. The council then directed city staff to prepare options for a two-lane setup that would satisfy pedestrian and bike safety goals, and maintain the speed reduction brought about by the current configuration. Baker said the former council and mayor had made a promise to the people that if the one-lane configuration didn’t work, it would be examined. Luz, who was on the council then, confirmed the commitment. “There was detachment from the public at large and government bodies. The detachment said we are going to give you what we think you need,” said Baker, who was elected in November. “I wanted to heal that relationship between the council and citizens. I feel if we don’t deeply involve the citizens, whether by discussion or vote, in this decision, we won’t be serving the citizens.” Staff and council members noted that other processes might be considered before going to an advisory vote. Special elections typically produce low voter turnout, said Westover. She also said she’d like time for a comprehensive dialogue with the community and felt the decision to go to one lane was rushed. “We are giving people kind of an either-or scenario. I think it’s more nuanced,” said Westover. “The ballot measure is kind of a clumsy instrument.” City Attorney Ryan Kirchoff said an advisory vote would need to be filed with the Jackson County Elections Office by Sept. 7. Preparation of such a measure would take about two or three weeks, he said. “Advocating (for configurations) would cause education,” said Snyder. “There’s a divide. I really think we ought to take this to the people. “ A Planning Commission decision would be needed to revert to two lanes even if the council votes for that setup. Zoning now in place for the downtown would not allow two lanes without a conditional use permit from the commission. Public Works Director Ray DiPasquale, charged with preparing options for a new configuration, said with the busy department summer work schedule, he would probably have two sketches available on potential streetscapes by September. DiPasquale urged the council to engage in an extensive process with the public to explore options for the street. In another road-related issue, the council directed city staff to correspond with the Oregon Department of Transportation on the possibility of creating a ramp from the new Interstate 5 Exit 24 configuration to provide more direct access to Fern Valley Road. Businesses in the area have complained that their traffic volume is down since the new ramp opened, which requires using North Phoenix Road and Grove Road for access, adding nearly a mile to travel distance from the interchange. The new setup opened in October. Reopening of access to Pear Tree Lane off I-5 south of the interchange, which was used during construction, has also been suggested. — Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].