Mar. 13—The Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation has determined to continue downtown sidewalk renovations. After discussing the topic on multiple occasions, the scope of the engineering for the sidewalk project was decided at the February board meeting.
"We know the first phase of the sidewalk project improved the look and feel of our downtown," said Darrell Dement, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We also knew we needed a plan moving forward to be certain we got it right. This project will transform downtown, but it will take time and resources, so we owed it to the citizens to be sure we had worked through every option."
The contract with SPI, for a total of $356,000, is for the design and engineering of approximately 4,400 linear feet of new sidewalks to match those in Phase 1. The extent of the engineering plans will extend along East Commerce Street from South Main to Austin Street; from East Commerce to U.S. 79 on Ragsdale Street; and on South Main Street from U.S. 79 to East Larrisa Street, along the eastern side of Hazel Tilton Park.
Phase 1 of the downtown sidewalk renovation project, completed in October 2022, extended along East Commerce Street from Bolton Street to South Main Street, including the intersection at South Main, and from East Commerce Street to U.S. 79 along South Main.
The design work for the new sidewalk renovation project is expected to take from six to nine months to complete, with construction not likely to begin until 2025. The JEDCO board will determine construction phases based on available funding and grant opportunities. Construction is anticipated to occur over a five-year period.
"We've seen a lot of great benefits downtown from the sidewalk project and we want to continue that for consistency, but also just to continue the momentum we've had downtown with these types of improvements," JEDCO President Shane Pace said, addressing the council at its March 12 meeting.
The proposed expenditure was approved unanimously by the city council.
Pace said a lot was learned through the experience of Phase 1 and JEDCO will work with businesses during any future sidewalk renovations to minimize inconveniences.
"This is a great step forward," said Jacksonville Mayor Randy Gorham. "These types of projects enhance our quality of life in Jacksonville, making it a better place to live, do business and raise a family. I'm thrilled about our future and look forward to our continued success."