Downtown Farmington is set to become more pleasing to pedestrians, motorists and the eye next spring when the city starts construction on its streetscape project.
The $2.7 million development will expand the sidewalk area, adding bump outs around parallel parking spaces. There will also be new sidewalks, crosswalks, benches, bike racks, trash receptacles and decorative streetlights.
"We're going to give it more of a downtown feel with on-street parking and a spacious boulevard," says Vincent Pastue, Farmington's city manager.
Grand River Avenue between Farmington Road and Warner Street will receive all of the upgrades except the boulevard, which will go on Grove Street between Grand River and Orchard Street. City officials are still working on designing what the streetscape will look like. They expect to put the project out to bid in early April, start construction in mid May and finish within three to four months.
The idea is to make that section of downtown friendlier to pedestrians by expanding the area that is safe to walk and calming traffic. It is also expected to help traffic flow by making driving, parking and walking areas more visible. And of course the improvements should make the area more aesthetically pleasing.
Source: Vincent Pastue, Farmington's city manager
Writer: Jon Zemke
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