On US 33 a 4-lane highway would threaten the small town feel of the Old Town Neighborhood especially in regard to trees, historic buildings, and amount of traffic on the road. Specific designs could preserve the small town feel or even improve it, as did the project in Westminster, Maryland. Such designs will have to take into account all the special characteristics that create Goshen's small town ambiance. Noise and Dirt Goshen residents have expressed concern about increased noise levels that will come with added lanes. Front porches provide beauty throughout the Historic District.
Research confirms that added lanes increase traffic volume.
Noise levels will increase with increased traffic. Wider roads encourage higher travel speeds between the same number of stopping locations including 3 traffic signals and a railroad crossing. There will be few trees to cushion the noise levels. Widening of Madison street, with the resulting increase in traffic volume, will also generate increased amounts of particulate pollution falling on homes and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods. This dust and dirt will cover all buildings making them ugly and unattractive - with a negative affect on property values.