Several downtown Greensboro streets are getting a makeover. City leaders recently wrapped up a series of public meetings to gather input for the plans.
The improvements would span for several blocks and include Elm, Davie and Church streets, among others.
Money for the projects will come from a $25 million bond that voters approved in 2016.
Julia Roach is with Downtown Greensboro Inc., which is partnering with the city throughout the planning process. She says the goal is to increase foot traffic and spur more economic growth downtown.
“The streetscape is really important because it's going to be connecting downtown, especially to the surrounding neighborhoods," she says. "So, more walkable streets, more bike lanes, more spaces for people to just hangout and be downtown.”
Roach adds that the organization is reviewing public comments it has collected and the results of an online survey. That feedback is being considered in the design.
Local officials say the streetscaping will compliment what's already going on downtown and future development.
“We have the new Tanger Performing Arts Center, the Carroll at Bellemeade project and Hyatt Place Hotel, and the Davie Street Parking Deck that is currently under construction. These improvements will really make downtown more accessible and it's very exciting,” Roach says.
The Greensboro City Council is expected to review final renderings of the streetscaping projects in the next few months. Organizers say if they're approved, construction would likely begin in 2019.
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