Ely Blvd has always been a crucial artery in our community, and recent changes to reduce traffic lanes are impacting our everyday lives. As someone who has lived here for years, I have witnessed how essential the four lanes have been in both directions, particularly from Frates Rd to East Washington St. Now, the reduction in lanes will force a bottleneck, pushing traffic into our quiet residential streets, which weren't designed to handle such volumes.

Just the other day, I watched as a line of buses, three deep, struggled to pick up students as cars backed up down the road. The congestion is not just inconvenient; it poses a real safety issue for our children and neighbors. The buses, which are critical for student transport, no longer have the easy, fluid access they once did. Moreover, without two lanes on each side, emergency vehicles may find it difficult to navigate through as well, potentially delaying vital services.

The community’s infrastructure cannot withstand this 'lane diet.' The increased traffic on side streets will only contribute to higher wear and tear and pose additional hazards to residents. It is crucial to restore the lanes to ensure the smooth and safe operation of our local traffic.

We urge the Petaluma City Council to reconsider their approach to urban planning and keep Ely Blvd to its original two lanes on each side. Alternatives such as better synchronized traffic lights, designated bus lanes, or improving public transport infrastructures should be considered to manage traffic without sacrificing our neighborhood's tranquility and safety.

Please join me and sign this petition to leave the original lane configuration on Ely Blvd. Together, we can make our voices heard and work towards a solution that benefits the entire community.