Let’s return to a two-lane street

To the editor:
From my travels to other small rural communities looking at murals as a way to show pride in its town through public art I noticed Portland had something different.
That was a four-lane highway through its downtown.
What made it really different was the four-lane road was only for six or seven city blocks. Then what became even more noticeable was the fact you can not get into Portland or out of our downtown Portland other than in two-lane traffic.
So why have four lanes with parallel parking for only six blocks?
Let's go back with two lanes, keeping the turn lanes and changing to angle parking. Yes it will be a little slower but I believe would help bring back customers to future store fronts, adding additional and customer friendly parking.
With this change, the only expense would be painting. Many would make the likes to Greenville and Celina, Ohio, both with major highways in their downtowns.
Thank you.
Randy Fisher
Portland