By Erin Smith
The town of Elizabethtown is moving forward with developing plans for its Phase II Streetscape Project. Assistant Town Manger Pat DeVane gave the town council an update of the project on Monday. The Phase II Streetscape project will extend along West Broad Street from Pine Street to Gillespie Street.
“Our plan is for it (the streetscape project) to be out for bid by December,” said DeVane.
The project will consist of the removal and burial of the overhead utility lines, the addition of new decorative street lighting, and the proposed planting of Live Oak trees to replace the tree canopy that once welcomed visitors to the town.
He also told the board all of the surveying and mapping for the project has been completed and plans from Duke Energy, Spectrum and Century Link are ready.
DeVane told the board that areas have been identified where trees could be planted. He said the hope is to space the trees in such a manner that some can be planted along both sides of the roadway.
“We had an Oak canopy when I was a little boy,” said DeVane.
Mayor Sylvia Campbell said the street trees in that area in the past caused problems with the sidewalk. She explained the roots had undermined the sidewalks and were causing damage. DeVane said the trees would not be placed between the curb and sidewalk, but rather in a 20-foot by 20-foot easement that will be located behind the sidewalk.
DeVane argued, “If we really want to make it (the Phase II Streetscape) pop, we need these trees.”
He told the board that town staff are attempting to contact property owners along West Broad Street about obtaining 20-foot by 20-foot easements. DeVane said the easement is important to the project and it is good for “perpetuity.”
DeVane also said there will be an opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to dedicate a tree or a park bench in memory or in honor of someone.
DeVane said he, Parks and Recreation Director Rod Fritz and Planning Technician Billie Hall have been working to create a visual conception of the project.
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