A plan to convert a 1.6-mile stretch of North Sherman Avenue running from Fordem Avenue to Warner Park to a two-lane road with a center turn lane and a bike lane is getting pushback from north side businesses, which are circulating a petition against the idea. With an estimated 17,000 vehicles a day using Sherman’s current four lanes, the plan’s opponents fear narrowing the road to three lanes would result in a congested roadway with drivers bypassing Sherman in favor of Packers Avenue, hurting local businesses.
Although a portion of the 1.6-mile stretch is in the village of Maple Bluff, village officials were reportedly contacted about the idea last fall but were not given a timeline, nor have they received information from the city as to their share of the $100,000 price tag.
The plan, introduced by Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, could be implemented as soon as this summer if approved by the City Council, even if it does not receive Maple Bluff’s blessing. If Maple Bluff doesn’t approve the plan, rather than beginning at Fordem Avenue, the revamp would begin at Roth Street and run one mile in length.
The City Council could vote on the $100,000 plan as soon as next week.
