by Trish Rudder
The Town of Bath Streetscape project that has been in the works for months has finally moved forward.
Streetscape committee co-chair Pete Brown said in an email that he received a “Notice to Proceed” from the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) regarding the Streetscape Phase V Design Package.
“[T]his is the start of the design process that will result in Construction Grade drawings and specs and ultimately a construction contract for the Phase V work. The Construction phase is currently funded with awarded grants (design and construction) and the appropriate Town cash match,” Brown said.
Phase V will involve improvements include sidewalks on Independence Street from N. Washington to Mercer streets (in front of Hunter’s Hardware and the Ice House) and Wilkes Street from Independence Street to WV 9 (in front of Inspired Chaos and several homes).
The amount of lighting in those areas will be determined on costs, said Streetscape co-chair Rebecca MacLeod. A lighting design on Mercer Street from Fairfax to Union streets is also part of Phase V, MacLeod said. Sidewalk work has
The town’s matching funds of $11,000 for the design has already been given to DOH. The total design cost is $55,000.
MacLeod said she has asked the Bath Development Authority and the local Chamber of Commerce to be part of an information meeting for the downtown businesses to get their input on what has worked well in past phases of Streetscape work.
She said meetings will also be held “one-on-one,” with affected businesses and residents on those streets that will be under construction.
The Phase V information packets are available to the public and can be picked up at Bath Town Hall and at the local Chamber of Commerce office, said MacLeod on Monday.
