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StreetScape continues, officials report positive progress
Although several of Fort Scott's downtown roads are impassible due to construction, the inconveniences that downtown business owners and passing motorists must endure are expected to fade when the Phoenix Downtown Redevelopment Committee's StreetScape Project is complete.
The finished project will include new 1920s-style lighting, appealing landscaping, hanging flower baskets and banner displays, matching benches and trash receptacles, and other amenities in certain areas of downtown Fort Scott. In addition, infrastructure improvements in water pressure, wastewater, drainage, and sewer services in those areas will also be completed.
During a StreetScape update meeting Tuesday, Kissick Construction Project Superintendent Mike Eddings explained to those in attendance the progress of the project thus far. Eddings said the crews successfully tied some of the water lines that were installed on First and Scott Streets into the water main yesterday.
During the last few days, Kissick Construction Company crews began digging trenches and preparing for the installation of new water lines on a portion of Wall Street. In addition, they will be installing some new fire hydrants, then be creating sanitary sewer manholes on Wall Street as well, Eddings said.
Eddings said although the construction process may be inconvenient for area residents, he will do whatever he can to work out any situations that arise with downtown businesses.
"We'll get out there together and get it (construction related problems) fixed. We're not here to ruin anyone's livelihood or business," Eddings said. Adding that it does not bother him to problem-solve issues that come up with business owners as he feels it is part of his job.
"It takes a little bit of effort to make people happy. That's what we want to do," he said.
According to Eddings, the construction crews hope to be able put the curb and sidewalk in place on First Street. However, Eddings said, getting the curb and sidewalk in place is contingent on other projects, such as utility work, going as planned.
Eddings said that since parking for customers of Larkin and Associates, 207 E. First, has been a challenge, the city of Fort Scott will be creating signs that will instruct the company's customers where to park. Eddings said Larkin's customers will have available parking on First Street.
When asked about the possibility of water shut-offs, Eddings said he and his crew are trying to schedule these according to each individual business's needs. Adding that business owners will be notified of any water shut-offs on an individual basis.
Area residents who want more information about the StreetScape project or downtown business owners who have questions about the construction are invited to attended the weekly update meetings at the Heritage Park Pavilion on Main Street at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday. In addition, residents can call Fort Scott Economic Development Director Dale Bunn at (620) 223-0550 or Fort Scott Public Works Director Eric Bailey at (620) 223-4360, for more information.