Between 60% and 70% of all trucks going through Downtown Angola on US Highway 20 (Maumee) are using the route solely as a shortcut to the Indiana Toll Road from Interstate 69. Drivers save between $9 - $10 by using this shortcut and avoid heavy regulation of weights and other measures, but Downtown Angola receives no benefits in return for providing this service. In fact, it could be easily argued that Downtown has tangible costs from this traffic, including safety concerns, noise and pollution issues.

Downtown Angola cannot continue to be successful with current or increased levels of truck traffic on US 20. Angola City Government and the private sector must work together in partnership to find solutions for reducing the amount of truck traffic on US 20. While a complete by-pass might not be feasible, desirable or beneficial other traffic calming alternatives must be attempted.

Historic pictures of Downtown Angola show a place where streets were alive with people and automobiles. The energy and excitement created by this public space condition made the downtown unique. Currently, automobiles dominate the streets of Downtown and there is little consideration for the comfort of pedestrians.

Research indicates that our society cannot continue to function with a complete reliance on the automobile. Simply put, streets designed for pedestrians as well as cars, trail systems for walking, running and biking, and mass transit options are all critical for communities that want to be competitive in the future.

One of the basic differences between urban (Downtown) and suburban (North Wayne Street) development is the location of parking and perception of convenience. Suburban development sells itself on large parking lots offering spaces close to the front of stores. Unfortunately, while potentially convenient, this approach also has numerous costs to a community including: Large impervious surfaces that create polluted stormwater runoff, lost sense of place in a community, reduced physical activity, increased automobile usage (increased energy usage), and loss of land that could be utilized for other development types.

Downtown Angola has numerous parking spaces. While a “parking problem” is said to exist, it is not an overall supply issue. Rather, it is a system and management issue. To be successful, all members of the Downtown community will have to “buy-in” to a coordinated system in order to effectively compete with the perceived convenience of suburban-style parking lots.

Signage is more than just a directional tool. It is also a branding device and placemaking element. While private signage is not easily coordinated, public signs can assist Downtowns in clearly illustrating where you should go, what you should see and how to stay safe and have an enjoyable experience.

Angola City Government has an opportunity to rethink its downtown signage that includes opportunities for basic traffic, directional and roadway signage as well as more unique historical and informational signs.

Benefits for truck users have to be brought back into better balance with the costs of this truck traffic to Downtown Angola. While a roadway bypass might assist in removing heavy truck traffic, the benefits do not necessarily outweigh the costs of such an activity on many levels. Instead, Angola City Government should work with Steuben County Officials and INDOT Officials to implement traffic calming measures aimed at reducing the attractiveness of US 20 as a highway shortcut. Potential activities to be implemented include: traffic patrols/ enforcement of speed limits, weigh stations, clear crosswalk indications and noise level restrictions.

To be successful, a parking system in Downtown Angola must be viewed as a whole and not in piecemeal parts. Key principles to such a system must include: the priority of making on-street parking available to potential customers first, shared use of parking lots based on land use activities and time of operation, and simple and clear signage to potential parking spaces. The Angola City Government must audit its on-street parking policies with the assistance of private business owners / downtown organizations to ensure that the parking system works for the benefit of the potential Downtown customer.

Urban areas such as Angola’s Downtown can be difficult to navigate. A signage and wayfinding system can assist in directing visitors to key locations as well as serving as a visual that unifies the area and brings cohesion to the user experience. This signage and wayfinding system should be coordinated with the tourism branding signage, regulatory signs (parking signs, etc.), historical and informational signage, and directional signage.

New thinking about the role of the street can lead to greater benefits when streets are redesigned and rebuilt. The Angola City Government should work towards adopting a “Complete Streets” policy that guides how streets are rebuilt over time. These “Complete Streets” accommodate more than just automobile traffic, and are designed to also accept pedestrians and bicyclists as well.