City expects prompt completion of downtown construction work

Streetscape, the sidewalk construction project downtown, is nearing completion and business owners are relieved.

“It was supposed to be completed Oct. 1, and that’s what the contractor accepted,” said Belinda Washlesky, executive director of Milledgeville Main Street DDA. “Our biggest problems were a lot of things were uncovered ? water lines and sewer lines that weren’t on the original plans.”

Due to these unforeseen difficulties, the sidewalk was not completed before the Deep Roots Festival as planned, but there are only a few finishing touches left. It couldn’t have happened a moment too soon for business owners.

“We’re all just tired of it,” said Bill Massey, owner of Middle Georgia Cards, Coins & Comics.

Other business owners agreed with his statement since construction began.

Molly Holmes | gcsunade.com

Phase Two of the Streetscape project is nearing completion with various aesthetic additions still on the agenda. Some bricks still have to be laid, as well as the addition of bike racks, benches and trash cans.

“It looks great, but I’m ready for it to be over,” said Rachel Phillips, of Jack and Darcy.

Other business owners took a real liking to it.

“I like it! It’s much safer and much nicer looking,” said John Grant, owner of J.C. Grant Co.

Despite the temporary removal of the parking spaces for businesses during construction which made it more difficult to access the stores, opinions were skewed over whether business was affected.

“It really hasn’t hurt us as far as business goes,” said Jim Morris, manager of Hardwick Finance Company Loans. “But, we’re pretty close to the end of the street so that might have helped.”

Not only was business not affected at the end of the street, but also at the beginning.

“No, it really hasn’t been that bad at all,” said Victor Bayne, owner of Bayne’s Army Store, “and infrastructure was really needed. The old sidewalk was gravel, but now it’s smooth. It’s better for women in heels, wheelchairs and it looks better too.”

One business was affected.

“The last two months have been way off,” said Janie Burgamy, salesclerk at Old Capitol Treasures. “They took away all the trees too. They gave off the down home southern atmosphere, which I miss the most.”

The sidewalk has changed a lot. Large planters that were located outside of some businesses were removed, trees were replaced, the pavement is now smooth, more lights have been installed and new grates and railings have been put in place. Still to come are benches, bike racks, and trash cans.

This will complete Phase Two of the Streetscape project funded in part by a grant from the Department of Transportation.

Posted by MarkWatkins on Nov 5 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.