Save Our Streets (SOS) said it plans to continue a petition drive against changing McCallie Avenue and MLK/Bailey to two-way -- despite an overture from Mayor Bob Corker for compromise.
Charles Gearhiser, SOS chairman, said, "The people want these main access arteries to Chattanooga to remain the same, both for safety and for convenience. The people are not interested in spending millions in tax dollars to slow and impede traffic."
He said, "To his credit the mayor has talked to several of us and has opened the lines of communication. The mayor has expressed a willingness to discuss possible changes in the city's plans or areas of mutual accord.
"However, we will continue to circulate petitions that will allow the people to vote on the issue in a referendum."
Mr. Gearhiser said, "Due to the importance of the issue and the interest in keeping these thoroughfares as they are now, we will continue our effort to obtain sufficient signatures to allow the people to vote on the issue."
He said, "If the people have a voice, we believe McCallie, MLK-Bailey will remain one-way."
The 4,000 people who have previously signed petitions are asked to sign the new petitions if they live in the city.
Petitions are available at Mr. Gearhiser's law office at 320 McCallie, Gordon's Cleaners at 1631 McCallie, Wally's Restaurant at 1600 McCallie, Belvoir Pharmacy at 4501 Brainerd Road, Brainerd Citgo Service Station at 3660 Brainerd Road, Gannon Art Center at 3250 Brainerd Road, and the 23rd Street Animal Clinic at 2223 E. 23rd St.
People wanting petitions to circulate in their neighborhoods are asked to call 756-5171.