Workers are completing final details of the first block of the Cleveland Street streetscape around decorative planters and on the new sidewalks. Lamp posts have been installed and electrical work is being completed. Soil has been added to the seat wall planter in the median where plantings and public artwork will be displayed when the project is complete.
City officials are planning to celebrate the first block completion with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial stroll Fri., March 16, 11 a.m., at the intersection of Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street. Following the ribbon cutting, Mayor Frank Hibbard will stroll the newly completed block with the children of the Peace Memorial Child Development Center. The public is invited to the event, and specially labeled bottled water and chocolate bars with area eating establishment coupons will be distributed to attendees. Starbucks will offer free coffee.
The intersection of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street is closed as crews install colored concrete and pedestrian crossings similar to the Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street intersection. North-south traffic is routed around the closure to Osceola Avenue on the west and Myrtle Avenue on the east. The work is expected to take approximately three weeks.
Storm drain work is continuing to the east, and Cleveland Street remains closed to traffic to East Avenue prior to streetscape work in the next blocks of the Streetscape project. The intersection of Cleveland Street and Garden Avenue is expected to reopen soon as crews will be completing the installation of lateral storm lines at that intersection. With final details of the first block nearing completion, crews will soon begin working on streetscape amenities in the block just east of Fort Harrison Avenue.
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. For further updates on construction, check out the city's website at www.myclearwater.com/downtown, or call the Streetscape construction office at 462 6126.
The next Hard Hat meeting is 8 a.m., Thursday, March. 29, at Constant Cravings, 516 Cleveland St. Free coffee will be available, and officials will be on hand to answer the public's questions regarding the project.
