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Pretty plan ... but practical?
A preliminary plan prepared by Mobile landscape architect Terry C. Plauche was presented at a recent meeting of the beautification committee. The plan, reproduced at left and elsewhere in today's paper, offers a tree and shrub-filled streetscape. A brick sidewalk surrounded by a grassy expanse would run from town hall to the courthouse. From Jackson Street to the courthouse, the sidewalk would replace the center street parking. The circular route around the monument in front of the courthouse would be eliminated in favor of more green space and a sidewalk around the tribute to World War I dead.
Some downtown business owners are concerned. Karen Woods of the Old Democrat Bakery and Deli questioned the loss of parking spaces, as did Jerry Andrews, owner of Andrews Associated Foods. A check of existing spaces reveals about 120 parking spaces from Jackson Street eastward to the Courthouse Square. A count of spaces on the preliminary drawing shows about 78, or about 42 less spaces with the new design. Woods has long complained about not enough parking around her business, the former home of The Clarke County Democrat across from the courthouse. Andrews observed, "We have plenty of parking most of the time but when court is in session or other events are going on at the courthouse, there isn't enough." The longtime grocer offered, "Grove Hill doesn't have much sales tax [income] now. This would make it even less." Andrews said the town or county should consider the Dumas property across Cobb Street (old Highway 84) as a possibility for parking expansion. It would be convenient to the new courthouse annex, he said. Woods questioned the upkeep and maintenance requirements for the tree-laden streetscape. "Can we maintain all of this?" she asked of the plan. Some members of the committee also expressed concern about maintenance requirements. Others liked the plan and said it would give the downtown a needed boost. Norman Burton was one of those who smiled on the concept. "No one else has a sidewalk down the middle of town. It would make us unique," he said. Mayor Lamar Hudson noted that the large parking lot to the south of Main Street isn't being used and could handle parking that would be eliminated by a new streetscape. Hudson said that Plauche has been contacted and is making some changes to the initial drawings. Hudson had hoped to apply for federal matching grants this fall that could help make the designs a reality if they are obtained. Thomasville's downtown was renovated over three different phases utilizing such grants. Jackson applied for and received a similar grant for its downtown. A town meeting is scheduled for tonight (Thursday) at 6:30 for the public to offer input on the plan.
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