Streetscape crews have resumed their work after the holiday break, and the construction site buzzes with activity as the first visual outline of the final streetscape design begins to emerge. In the Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue block, the first to get its streetscape makeover, work continues on the roadway's serpentine curbs. Pedestrians will notice additional forms for the landscaped median where concrete will soon be poured. The Ft. Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street intersection will be closed for two weeks beginning Jan. 8 to complete work that remains on the large storm drain beneath the intersection. Announcements of additional intersection closures on a staggered schedule will follow in the coming weeks as infrastructure work continues east. Cleveland Street remains closed from Osceola to Ft. Harrison Avenues for streetscape work, and Ft. Harrison to Garden avenues for infrastructure work. Crews are currently on schedule to complete the Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue block by the end of February.
Banners confirming that businesses remain open in the construction zone are now displayed prominently across Ft. Harrison and Myrtle avenues. Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of two hours of free parking in the Garden Avenue Garage, and additional parking along Osceola Avenue between the Main Library and Cleveland Street. Downtown construction information is available on the city's website at www.myclearwater.com/downtown, and questions can be addressed through the Streetscape construction office at 462-6126.
Downtown business owners, residents and stakeholders are invited to attend the next Hard Hat meeting, Thursday, Jan. 25, 8 a.m., at Pickles Plus Too, on the west side of the Harborview Center. Free coffee will be served.