by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Sidewalk and streetscape improvements in Five Points were officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning. Budgeted at approximately $1 million and funded by the City and private initiatives, the project began in January and was originally targeted for a late-2004 completion date.
“We’re obviously very pleased to be finished this far ahead of schedule,” said Sherry Hall of the City’s Public Works Department. “We’ve been very lucky to have the support of the community and especially all of the merchants in Five Points.”
For months, Park Street between Post and Lomax streets was only open to one-way traffic. Parking was also reduced by half.
“Everyone has been very cooperative and we’ve had very few, if any, complaints,” she Hall. “They were just happy to have their parking back.”
Hall said the City’s $700,000 contribution was earmarked for widened brick sidewalks, street repaving and improved “saw-tooth” parking.
In addition to paying a portion of the difference, Five Points merchants also raised funds to cover the cost for new landscaping in the shopping district.
“I’m thrilled to be able to see how great it turned out,” said Council member Michael Corrigan. “I have to give a lot of credit to the contractor and all of other people over here.
“Welcome to the new Five Points.”