Laurel to discuss Downtown Revitalization planning grant
LAUREL — Downtown Laurel could be seeing some big improvements in the near future.
The City of Laurel was awarded a Downtown Revitalization (DTR) planning grant for sidewalk and street improvements in the downtown business district.
The firm of Leo A Daly was selected by the DTR Advisory committee to evaluate current infrastructure needs and develop a plan for improvements.
Challenges identified during the evaluation phase include sidewalk slope, lack of storm water drainage and difficult handicapped accessibility to downtown businesses. Based on those needs, an initial plan was presented to the DTR committee.
Streets and sidewalks will be raised to accommodate American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, reducing the slope of sidewalks and steps up onto sidewalks. Improvements will be made to multiple intersections and blocks within the downtown district, including streets north and south of Main Street. To improve ADA accessibility, steps into the Senior Citizen Center and City offices will be eliminated.
A guttering system will be installed at the rear of parking to drain storm water to the middle of the street rather than the curb, to eliminate pooling of water next to curbs and the associated ice during winter. Curb inlets will be utilized to drain storm water from intersections. Water will be captured and stored underground.
The width of downtown sidewalks will remain comparable to today, but the five foot median in the center of the street will be removed to accommodate diagonal parking of longer vehicles. Light poles will be moved to the sidewalks, with fixtures illuminating both street and sidewalks.
The total cost of the proposed improvements will be approximately $1 million per block.
Grant funding of $400,000 may be available to cover construction costs, with a $100,000 city match from donations and/or other revenues. A one percent local sales tax is on the November ballot, with revenues to be applied to infrastructure improvements, including streets and sidewalks.
Seventy-five percent of US states (38) permit local sales tax, as it spreads tax among a wider population. Residents from nearby towns and rural areas, who often utilize Laurel’s facilities and services, will help fund the needed improvements with local sales tax.
Folks traveling through Laurel who purchase goods, will also contribute. Based on 2016 sales figures, it is estimated that $110,000 could be collected annually.
Engineer Jon McCarville from Leo A Daly will hold an informational session at the Senior Citizen Center on Friday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 am.
An additional meeting will be held with Chamber businesses at noon in the city auditorium that same day. The public is invited to attend either session.
