Sometimes the path of commerce getting smaller is a good way to evolve.
East Market Street in York started out as a path for early inhabitants to pass though the woods, evolved into a congested main artery for local, rail and cross-country traffic and now serves as a route from a historical urban core.
Bill Schintz, a property owner and resident of East Market Street for the past 35 years would like to see the three lane, one-way street revert back to a two-way to cut down speed and racing by weekend loop traffic.
As someone who moved to the center of York just a few months ago, I share Mr. Schintz's concern. The heavy traffic--especially the drag racing on weekend nights--takes a heavy toll on the ambiance, safety and sanity of downtown York. The traffic calming that was achieved by narrowing West Market Street many years ago can be had on East Market, as well as on George Street. Large trucks rumbling through the historic district cause damage to beautiful buildings. Fast-moving traffic creates the sense that you are taking your life in your hands when you try to cross the street. Most importantly to me, the noise pollution created--especially on weekends between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.--interrupts sleep and causes immense stress. If York wants to bring more people to live and enjoy downtown, there must be active effort to reduce and calm the traffic here. In these times of global warming, depleted oil and dwindling funds, I think it makes sense in many ways to ban all but essential traffic from the four blocks closest to the square. Perhaps we could follow the lead of some other "livable" cities and turn the square into a pedestrian mall, at least on weekends.