Downtown Vision Task Force adopts new city logo

Also during the meeting, the task force approved a budget of $1,954,554.66 for the Phase II expenditures.

The budget according to the task forceer will the following for Phase II which will include:

A. District Theming- The downtown historic district includes 2nd and 3rd Street between Berry on the west and Williamson on the east. Amenities will be added to the street and intersections to enhance the nostalgic feel that currently exists, while also strengthening the pedestrian activity along downtown streets.

Thematic elements include hard cape upgrades public art/sculpture drinking fountains benches bike racks pedestrian scale light poles historic district banners; seasonal banners and directional-way-finding sinage.

B. Intersection Improvements- While the ten intersections within the historic district vary with regard to the proposed physical improvements, the intent is that they will collectively create a safe, accessible and exciting pedestrian environment while ensuring vehicular access to storefronts and associated parking. There are three categories related to level of improvements, which are:

1. Major improvements occur at one intersection (Kinsley and 2nd St.) and include civil engineering, new curb and gutter ”bump-outs” along both streets with tighter corner radii; 2-point crosswalk ramps at each corner and upgrades in compliance with current ADA accessibility standards; full accent concrete upgrades at intersection: accent paving at crosswalks and corners; steel inlay imbedded into paving at center of intersection; shade trees: flowering “xeriscape” plant material and low water use irrigation techniques; planting pots; decorative tree grates; trash receptacles; public art/ sculpture; benches and bike racks.

2. Moderate improvements- occur at five intersections and will have the same improvements as B1.

3. Minimal improvements- occur at four intersections and include minor engineering and traffic control, crosswalk ramp(s) at each corner and necessary upgrades in compliance with current ADA accessibility standards.

Painted striping at crosswalks; and an allowance for unknowns at the time of construction.

C. Kinsley Avenue Improvements- Amenities will be added to enhance the existing, north south “spine” as a hub of pedestrian connectivity and activity, while ensuring the ease of vehicular flow and access to core retail and associated parking. Proposed improvements, which tie into phase 1 construction at 1st St., and extend north to 3rd. St. include: civil engineering, new curb and gutter “bump-outs” at the north side of 1st. St. and Kinsley with larger corner radii; 2-point crosswalk ramps at each corner and upgrades in compliance with current ADA accessibility standards; concrete upgrades at corners and portions of intersection; painted striping at crosswalks; shade trees: flowering ‘xeriscape’ plant material and low water use irrigation techniques; planting pos; decorative tree gates; trash receptacles; public art/ sculpture; benches; bike racks and addition of necessary lighting.

D. Alley Improvements- Existing pavement will be upgraded to ensure a smooth surface of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Proposed improvements, which extend from Warren Avenue to Williams Avenue between 2nd. And 3rd. St., include: engineering; patching and /or removal and replacing existing asphalt pavement; upgrades in compliance with current ADA accessibility standards; and scent paving.

E. Parking at 2nd Street- Existing circulation and space layout will be organized in a more efficient manner to maximize space availability and minimize vehicular and pedestrian conflicts around the civic area.

F. Performance Plaza- Intended to balance Standing on the Corner Park and further enhance the “heart” of the downtown historic district,” which will provide a shared-use pedestrian respite to encourage both daytime and nighttime social and entertainment activities. Proposed improvements for the corner of 2nd and Kinsley Avenue include: Engineering, hard cape and accent paving; shade trees; flowering “xeriscape’ plant material and low water use irrigation techniques; planting pots; public art/sculpture, performance amphitheater, water element, shade structures; drinking fountain; benches; bike racks; improved pedestrian scale and accent lighting; and a plaza ‘arrival’ banner.

G. Signage- Budget estimate includes an interpretive signage element and associated lightning related to the gazebo.

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