Either way, the change should be based on the lowest cost to the state if state funds are being used to fund most of the project. I appreciate the city’s desire to do it their way, but who’s funding and costs should take priority. If the city wants to fund it fully, then let them decide how it’s going to be designed. If the state is paying most, or all, of the bill, the state should design it, in the least expensive manner.

Additionally, safety should be a factor since it sounds like it will be a major factor in this situation.

The reality is that few people are going to stop in town because the road runs through the business district. You want people to stop and shop the business district, make them want to. Road signs, marketing (Internet/Facebook, etc. are cheap and a lot more effective than running the street through town).