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Liberty plans downtown revitalization

August 11, 2006|BRENDA S. EDWARDS

LIBERTY - City officials accepted a new streetscape enhancement plan Wednesday for downtown.

"This will serve as a guide to the City Council and help the city when it makes capital improvements downtown," said Scott Southall, director of landscape architecture and planning with CDP Engineers Inc. in Lexington.

The goal is to protect existing assets and strengthen the character of downtown through planning. Southall, who went over the plan with the City Council, focused on short- and long-term wishes of the local Renaissance Committee's recommendations.

Short-term plans are to clean and paint the black-iron trash receptacles, add benches, and renovate or replace handrails at steps.

Long-term plans include improving the area near the Courthouse Square to make it safer for motorists and pedestrians.

He said it could be a city and county venture and suggested that both governments seek funds.

He said some of the blacktop around the courthouse can be converted to green space but will cut the number of parking spaces. Courthouse Square can be a one-way street to provide additional parking and good circulation around the courthouse.

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Planters and benches also can be added.

Southall said painting and 1950s-style awnings will help the appearance of storefronts.

A proposed connector bridge to the Central Kentucky Ag/Expo Center will tie in with the downtown plan.

The city plans to erect an old iron bridge over Green River so people can walk to the Ag/Expo Center.

Plans for that stage are still in process and Southall is looking at writing grants to help fund the projects.

"Hopefully, we'll be eligible in March for additional funding," said Mayor Steve Sweeney. "We anticipate getting Transportation Enhancement funds for the crossing project.

"We may be eligible for grants to help with the facades and may be able to give assistance to property owners downtown," the mayor said.

He said most of the businesses want facade improvements if grant funds become available. More input is being sought on the plans.

The city also wants to remove dead electrical lines from downtown. Sweeney said Kentucky Utilities has agreed to remove lines that are not in use.

A few new street signs have been installed and others may be in the future.

A committee is working to reopen the old movie theater on Hustonville Street.

"I hope downtown will boom again like the days of old," Sweeney told the council.

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