Petaluma rejects downtown traffic plan

<p>The Petaluma City Council decided not to apply this year for a federal traffic grant to reduce the number of traffic lanes on Petaluma Boulevard through the heart of downtown.</p><p>The Public Works Department asked the council to grant approval for an application seeking nearly $900,000 in federal funds meant to help cities make their streets safer.</p><p>One plan for the money would include narrowing Petaluma Boulevard South between Washington and D streets to one lane in each direction with a turn lane in the middle. It currently runs two lanes in each direction with a turn lane.</p><p>Several minor crashes have occurred in the area because of the narrow lanes, according to city reports.</p><p>Three council members voted against pursuing the grant — the deadline for which is this week — until downtown business operators and residents can be consulted.</p><p>There were concerns that changes could deflect traffic into neighborhoods and discourage shoppers from going downtown.</p><p>Councilmen Mike Healy, Mike Harris and David Rabbitt voted against the request. Mayor Pam Torlitatt and councilmembers David Glass and Teresa Barrett supported it. Councilwoman Tiffany Renée abstained because she lives in the area of discussion.</p>