Spot The Difference: Lee Street

Can you spot the difference in these two photos? The photo on the left was taken on April 26, 2024, the photo on the right was taken today, May 15, 2024. Hint: It's red and white.

The DO NOT ENTER sign that instructs drivers on Broadway not to turn right on to Lee Street (a one-way street) was removed on May 9 after the city council meeting. 

City Attorney Beau Pemberton advised that the one-way sign in front of Prater's Taters on Broadway Street should be removed to allow two-way travel on Broadway until an ordinance with two readings passes the city council. 

On April 23, Broadway Street was converted to a one-way street  at Mayor Ryan Griffin's request without prior notice, public input, newspaper public notices or an ordinance with two readings, as state law requires. 

The one-way street sign in front of Prater's Taters remained in place for 17 days illegally. It is not a traffic law until the ordinance to change Broadway to a one-way street passes second reading. The ordinance passed first reading on Thursday, May 9, after Mayor Griffin placed the tie-breaking vote. 

The only sign that should have been removed was the sign in front of Prater's Taters.

Considering the manner in which Broadway was converted to a one-way street, a sign was erected with no prior notice or information, it is unclear if the city is now instructing two-way travel on Lee Street.

Please, for safety, DO NOT turn right on Lee Street from Broadway. 

The DO NOT ENTER sign has been down for 7 days now. Two separate downtown business owners have expressed their concerns to The Banner regarding the removal of the Lee Street sign.