Downtown Taylor revitalization
Downtown Taylor revitalization
Written by Shannon Colletti Sunday, 07 October 2007
Various improvement projects to be completed soon
In the next few months, people will notice something different about downtown Taylor.
Much of the monstrous construction equipment, unsightly gaping holes and bright orange cones and barrels — all of which have become commonplace — will have vanished. In their place will be smooth, white walkways, fresh landscaping and a sense of renewal, city staff said.
A strong joint effort to make the downtown area compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, as well as more attractive and economically viable is finally coming to fruition after nearly seven years.
Contributions from all levels of government are being used to enhance the commercial district’s appearance and functionality.
Projects include major streetscape work and an overhaul of the Main Street traffic signal system. Officials have also indicated their work continues to get parts of Second Street repaired.
“We have so many things going for us in the City of Taylor right now with retail development that’s coming in as well as infrastructure improvements,” said Jean Johnson, Taylor Main Street and communications manager. “We think that when the streetscape is completed, that’s really going to add to the appearance of downtown. There’s real value for anyone who wants to make an investment in downtown Taylor.”
The streetscape project
The largest endeavor underway is the streetscape project, overseen by Taylor’s Main Street Program.
In 2000, the city received a $1.2 million Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century grant, issued by the federal government, from TxDOT. Combined with $622,000 from the city, more than $1.8 million has been put into the streetscape project so far.
Although a long design process, red-tape roadblocks and other problems delayed its start, the streetscape project finally got underway in March. Holdups with contractors and sub-contractors and inclement weather this summer further prolonged progress, but completion is expected around the end of November.
“Streetscape was a huge hurdle for us and a big dollar project,” Johnson said. “We were very happy to get a grant to do that. That gives us a leg up on trying to get the redevelopment kick started.”
The project focuses on the six city blocks from Second to Fifth streets and from Talbot to Porter streets (which includes Main Street). Highlights include the construction of sidewalks and curbs for safer access, landscaping work and the addition of on-street parking, picturesque lampposts, trash receptacles and park benches.
In addition to satisfying ADA requirements, the main purpose of the improvements is to make downtown more attractive, more pedestrian friendly and to give residents a sense of place, Johnson said.
The idea is by doing this, more people will go there to spend their money, and new business will be pulled there, said Tracy Terry, Main Street Program coordinator. This translates into more dollars being churned into the local economy.
Traffic signals get replaced
Although it is not a city project, another recent undertaking was TxDOT’s effort to replace the traffic signals at several intersections it maintains in Taylor. These signals are all on Hwy. 95, or Main Street, in the downtown area, TxDOT spokesman Marcus Cooper said.
TxDOT’s objective is to replace all of the traffic signals hung from cables with metal arms that are more durable, more stable and that encase the wiring, protecting it from the elements.
Video detection equipment is also being installed. These new cameras will detect approaching cars and change the signals accordingly. This allows more flexibility to trigger the lights as needed, Cooper said.
He added that some people might mistake this for speed control, but the purpose is solely to regulate traffic.
Cost of the video detection system and other upgrades is about $150,000 per intersection, Cooper said. Funding came from a federal program called the Hazard Elimination Safety Program for which TxDOT applied. Cooper said the project will be completed by next May.
A better Second Street
Although no construction has begun to improve drainage issues or the roadway quality of Second Street, officials are working to make it happen.
“It would be a great impetus along Second Street for economic redevelopment,” City Manager Frank Salvato said. “It’s a gateway to Taylor, and the improvements would really help Taylor.”
Second Street, or Hwy. 79 Business, has had serious drainage problems for years, and Salvato has a vision of what needs to be done about it.
“It would be total reconstruction,” he said. “You would tear the road up, put the drainage, water and sewer lines underneath and totally rebuild the road from curb to curb.”
In addition to improved drainage, Salvato said he hopes one day Second Street will also have a new center turn lane for safety along with curbs and a sidewalk.
Until funding arrives, however, officials cannot move forward with design plans.
Snapshot of the local economy
Johnson said the city has about 100,000 sq. ft. available for lease or sale downtown.
Several new businesses, such as Reiny’s and the Werx Salon, are taking advantage of the low cost of living in Taylor.
“The rates are extremely competitive,” Terry said. “Your money will go a lot further in Taylor than it would in some other areas, as far as your retail costs would be.”
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