Each day brings new and more visible changes to the first block of the Cleveland Street Streetscape. Between Osceola and Ft. Harrison avenues, planter areas are now clearly visible edging the roadway curbs, and the foundation has been poured for a large planter in the roadway median. Pedestrians will see crews installing pavers on the sidewalks this week, giving this area of the streetscape its first hint of a final look. Crews expect to complete the streetscaping of this block by the end of February, although landscaping and the final pavement layer will not be installed until the remaining blocks from Ft. Harrison to Myrtle avenues are done.
Cleveland Street is closed to vehicle traffic from East Avenue to the Ft. Harrison Avenue intersection as storm drain and utility work continues eastward, and the Ft. Harrison Avenue to Osceola Avenue block is closed as crews complete streetscaping work there. Cleveland Street intersections at East, Garden and Osceola avenues are also closed. North-south traffic has been rerouted to Ft. Harrison Avenue on the west, and Myrtle Avenue on the east. Storm drain work at Garden Avenue and Cleveland Street is expected to take several more weeks, and Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street will be closed for approximately two more weeks for streetscape work. All road closures and detours are clearly marked, and sidewalks remain open for pedestrians and business access.
Banners and signs direct pedestrians to local businesses that are open as usual, and patrons may take advantage of two hours of free parking in the Garden Avenue Garage, or additional parking along Osceola Avenue between the Main Library and Cleveland Street. 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.
Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to 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.