YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→Sidewalks

Master plan discussed at joint meeting

July 02, 2008|Mike Moore

Lexington-based CDP Engineering gave an update on the Downtown Master Plan to members of Jessamine County's governing bodies at a joint meeting Tuesday.

Scott Southall and Josh Karrick, of CDP, told the group of plans for downtown parks with themes closely associated with Jessamine County - a limestone-themed park, reflecting the palisades, a music-themed park and a vineyard-themed park.

The proposed plan for a nine-block area, stretching from the new city hall location on North Main Street to the post office on South Main Street with the focus on the area in the center near

Oak Street, was unveiled at a meeting with the Jessamine Fiscal Court, Nicholasville City Commission and Wilmore City Council.

Southall said the plan incorporated some of the county's unique cultural, historical and physical aspects with things residents had asked for at two public meetings held earlier, such as more parks and open space, improvements in parking and sidewalks and a community center.

The nine-block area will include 2.6 miles of sidewalk. When finished, the downtown improvements, excluding the parks, will come with an estimated $5.8 million price tag. Construction of the three parks would run an estimated $3.25 million.

Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Stone asked whether it would be possible to close off a portion of Oak Street like it used to be years ago.

Southall said that would affect a few businesses located on Oak Street, but it was certainly an option that could be discussed.

Most of the conversation focused on the budget issues.

"(Right now) we're talking about the concept rather than the budget," he said. "It's easier to start high with the budget and come down later."

The $5.8 million includes installation of new sidewalks, planting of new trees and removing utility lines, Karrick said.

Because of the scope of what needs to be done, the downtown project will have to be completed in multiple phases.

|

|

|