Construction, here we come.
Funding for the downtown streetscape and repaving project was finalized Feb. 22 when the village council approved a loan for $1.2 million from the village’s water and sewer fund.
Add those funds to $575,000 in grant money and money the Downtown Development Authority’s been stashing for several years, and the timing for the project seems right, say officials.
‘This is the year that all the components have come together,? said new DDA Executive Director Suzanne Perreault. ?[The DDA] has the grants to do it, they have a lot of cash built up ? we’re ready to provide that support to the business community.?
The vote to borrow $1.2 million was not unanimous, however, with councilmember Douglas Dendel dissenting.
‘Overall, I’m not comfortable with this,? he said, citing his main concern is the economy. ‘I honestly don’t see how it’s really going to make something in this town. Our tax dollars aren’t being used to the benefit of the taxpayers.?
He added, ‘I’m not into building resumes for people at the cost of the taxpayers.?
Community members like Lloyd Coe, owner of Ed’s Broadway Gift and Costume, echo Dendel’s sentiments.
‘Is [downtown] going to look nice when it’s all done? Probably. Is it going to bring more business down here? Who knows? Is this the right time to be doing something like this? I’d seriously question that if I were on the board,? said Coe.
According to Village Manager Paul Zelenak, construction could last anywhere from 90 to 120 days. The schedule won’t be finalized until after construction bids come back in early May.
Perreault says work should begin in June.
Much of the nearly $2 million used on the project will go toward repaving (Flint Street from M-24 to Orion Road and Broadway from M-24 to Shadbolt) and storm sewer repair.
Three separate grants will cover two thirds of the work in Children’s Park and streetscape aesthetics, like lighting and landscaping.
Some aspects of the project might be scaled back, says the DDA director, as new estimates for work came in $300,000 more than what they were last October. Small luxuries, like electrical outlets at every tree, might be eliminated.
‘Some of the original ideas might have been a little grandiose,? said Village Council President Ken Van Portfliet.
During construction, Perreault says, ‘We certainly want to support the businesses as much as we can, and be focused on their success.?
According to the DDA director, construction will be done one block at a time, and one side of the street at a time.
‘You’ll still have vehicle traffic going by and [shoppers] will have access to the businesses ? that’s something we’re working with our contractor on so that there’s a path to get up to the door,? said Perreault.