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Town slows down traffic

Dolores adds rules for safety, crowd control

A new three-way stop, a no-parking zone at the swimming hole, and a new board member were all approved at the Dolores town trustee meeting Monday.

Southsiders will see new traffic regulations soon. At Fourth Street and Riverside Avenue, the board decided to install a three-way stop.

"We want to slow down traffic at that junction coming into town," said town manager Lana Hancock.

Southbound traffic on Fourth Street will not stop, but vehicles approaching from the south across the bridge will soon be required to stop at the intersection of Riverside Avenue. There are already stop signs at the intersection of Riverside and Fourth.

"I see a lot of traffic chaos in that area with people backing up from the market, speeders on Fourth, and pedestrians trying to cross, so this should slow drivers down and make it safer," said town trustee Sandy Lauzon.

A meeting with town staff, a sheriff deputy, and seven residents annoyed by the increase in revelry at the Dolores River swimming hole resulted in significant changes.

A parking lot installed three years ago at Riverside at Eighth Street to accommodate river users will be removed and blocked off with boulders. The portable potty will be removed, as well as the bench. The trash can along the river trail there will remain.

Also both sides of Riverside Avenue near the swimming hole will be a no parking zone year-round, including for residents.

"To be legal, it has to apply for everyone," said attorney Mike Green, including visiting friends and family.

What the fine will be for illegally parking there has not been announced.

"It will take time to work out the details and install the signs," Hancock said. "This was a solution the residents we met with agreed to."

The swimming hole, also known as Big Rock, is actually on private property, but the owner has been amenable to public use unless it involves illegal activity.

At times this summer an influx of rambunctious teenagers and adults, many from out of the area, swarmed the recreational spot.

Excessive yahooism resulted in an increase in trash, broken bottles, underage drinking, and drivers spinning out in the gravel in an effort to avoid the cops when they were inevitably called.

"The changes are an effort to make it less welcoming and convenient to park there. The goal is to reduce crowds and traffic in that neighborhood," said town clerk Ann Swope.

Also, the board voted to appoint Izzy Boyce, owner of Dolores Liquors, to the board of trustees. She replaces Mark Youngquist who recently resigned.

"I am looking forward to serving my community," Boyce said.

jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com