A long-awaited streetscape project in Kanawha City is complete.
The intersection at MacCorkle Avenue and 42nd Street has been improved through new curb cuts along MacCorkle, improved parking on 42nd Street and landscaping changes including adding new plants and flowers. It cost more than $200,000.
The project, completed through a partnership between the Kanawha City Community Association and the City of Charleston, has been in the works for more than four years. It's the first step in a long-term plan to update a 2.8-mile corridor in the neighborhood to improve pedestrian access to local businesses, and add alternative parking spots along MacCorkle Avenue.
"It's a slow process, but it's great to be at the other end and see the end result," said Richard Burka, city councilman and president of the community association.
One goal of this project is to attract businesses to the area, and provide better access to the area. He said they hope businesses in the area also consider updating their businesses including building facade improvements.
"It is a clean area, and it is a friendly place to do business," Burka said.
The next step is to complete an even larger project on 40th Street. City leaders currently are awaiting funding for the project.
"It's going to require a lot more effort, a lot more funds," Burka said. "But it's on our radar next."
Charleston Mayor Danny Jones applauded the changes, saying that he hopes the improvements become "contagious" throughout the neighborhood.
"These areas shouldn't be defined by signs and loud cars, but by people and by small businesses that give it definition," Jones said.
Reach Ali Schmitz at ali.schmitz@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @SchmitzMedia on Twitter.