Restoring the Grid in HP

This letter of mine was printed in the HP Herald:

I went to a wonderfully organized meeting about fixing one of the
isolationist leftovers in Hyde Park; namely the do not enter sign at
the 57th Street viaduct. Presentations at the meeting explained the
implications of allowing access to 57th Street from Stony Island.
57th Street is an entirely 2-way street except for the block between
Lake Park and Stony Island which is one way eastbound. The residents
voiced their concerns both pro and con. Some were very troubled with
restoring the grid. Most skeptics cited increased traffic and reduced
safety as the major reason not to restore the grid. Residents,
concerned rightly about safety, stated that cars roll through stop
signs on 57th Street and many bikers illegally bike on the sidewalk.
Those important Issues need to be brought up with the police. They
aren't valid arguments for maintaining a one way street. However,
making the street two way will make it easier and safer to get around
Hyde Park, using buses, cars, bikes and walking. Some concerns were
narrow and selfish. One woman said " there are only 25% businesses on
57th Street" as though to make the point who cares what happens to our
stores, including our excellent bookstores. If there were no
businesses, what we would walk, bike or drive to?