City Hall institutes a 24-7 counseling center to help drivers outraged by forthcoming two-way street changes.

Push "1" for the campaign donation line. 

Meanwhile, we learn from Dat Jeffersonville Newspaper that when it comes to vehicular traffic, though for very little else, Deaf Gahan wants you to be informed.

"Our plan is to keep the public informed with details as we move through the construction period."

Well, there's a first time for everything -- and they do tend to coddle drivers, don't they? As for me, I'll believe it when I see it. For the official statement from downtown curmudgeons, go here:

"Lads of the Village" cheerily assist WDRB in previewing two-streets from the vantage point of Thrasher's Art Store.

Whatever happened to Irv, anyway? It may be time to declare a self-immolation watch.

GOING BOTH WAYS: Initial work on New Albany two-way street conversion begins, by Elizabeth Beilman (Popeye's Has Us Excited)

Conversion to finish early fall

... Slower traffic means increased pedestrian safety, which will in turn encourage more people to walk and bike downtown.

Many downtown New Albany businesses say that's a huge plus.

Ryan Westphal, manager of the restaurant Dragon King's Daughter, is in the heart of the conversion at their location on Elm and Bank streets.

"If [city officials] feel that two-way streets will benefit commerce, the economy and general trends, we're 100 percent down," Westphal said.

Any sacrifices along the way — construction, for example — are worth the new customers that could pass in front of the restaurant's doors, he said.

"The more foot traffic, the better," he said.