Contributors to the 2011 Longview Downtown Action Agenda—both residents and business owners —made clear that they wanted downtown to be a better place to visit, live, shop, and run a business. The Action Agenda identified a safe and attractive Commerce Avenue area as a downtown destination point that can strengthen the downtown economy. You can help move this vision to reality. The City of Longview is developing a plan to improve the appearance, safety, and accessibility of our downtown with enhancements like better street lighting, new sidewalks, benches, landscaping, public art, and outdoor gathering places to make the area more attractive for visitors, shoppers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
When will this project start?
The streetscape design for sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and benches that is part of the plan for the Downtown Commercial area is underway. Designs for the rest of the focus area – Commerce Avenue from Washington Way to Hemlock Street plus the plaza adjacent to the Columbia Theater– will be next. Detailed engineering construction plans will be developed first for the Commerce Avenue segment between Vandercook Way and Hemlock Street. The schedule calls for the streetscape plans to be completed by spring 2012, with bid-ready engineering documents in place by summer 2012.
How much will it cost?
The plans are being paid for with a $150,000 grant from the Cowlitz County Rural Economic Development Fund. Though construction is not yet funded, the City has applied for grant money to complete the downtown improvements. If that money is forthcoming, construction work could start in 2012. The Vancouver office of BergerABAM is providing the design and engineering work, and estimates of construction costs will be part of the BergerABAM engineering plan. Having detailed streetscape and engineering plans and related cost estimates will allow the City to pursue additional funds to pay for construction.
Does my opinion count?
Absolutely! This project will draw heavily from perspectives already shared during development of the 2011 Longview Downtown Action Agenda. In addition, there will be opportunities for local residents and businesses to suggest design alternatives for consideration. The best time to participate will be during a two-day design workshop February 15 – 16 at the Korten Building in downtown. Project information and designs will also be posted on the city website for viewing and comments. The Longview City Council will make the final decision on which streetscape designs move ahead for detailed engineering plans.
Please visit us at the design workshop to share your ideas:
Day 1: February 15th Open House: Noon- 6PM Presentation: 6PM- 8PM
Day 2: February 16th Open House: 10AM- 6PM Presentation: 6PM- 8PM
Location: Korten Building 1400 Commerce Avenue Longview, WA 98632-3720
For additional information please contact:
Steve Langdon
phone: 360-442-5083
email: steve.langdon@ci.longview.wa.us
|
