Back in the day (1950s), the cities of Gloversville and Johnstown took different approaches as to Route 30A and its accessibility. Johnstown opted for direct access from the highway into the merchants along its route. Gloversville opted for the then-popular theory of "service roads" along a route. Although the service-road approach was effective in large metropolitan areas, it bombed in rural areas such as ours.
One only needs to compare the road in Johnstown and its commercial activity to the virtually barren landscape in Gloversville.
The traffic flow in both areas is no better or worse than the other. It would be far better for commercial activities if direct access along the Gloversville section were now done along the entire stretch from the Johnstown line to State Street in Gloversville. Here's hoping the mayor and others involved in the new plan will look to the past for guidance.
BOB WINIG
Gloversville