A streetscape project is beginning on Sept. 8 that will require lane restrictions on 7th Street South between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South, and the intersection of 1st Avenue South and 7th Street South.

The project is scheduled to run through January and during construction, parking on the east side of 7th Street South will be closed but both directions of traffic will remain open.

One lane on 1st Avenue South near the intersection of 7th Street South will be closed periodically during construction, but the center lane will remain open.

City approves additional TIF funds for downtown streetscape

City Commissioners awarded a $423,888 contract to Smith River Construction for the project during their Sept. 2 meeting.

The project includes repairing sidewalk, curb and gutter broken due to a water main break; adding ADA compliant
curb ramps and adding streetscape to the east side of 7th Street South to match the west side downtown streetscape.

City Commission to consider two downtown streetscape, ADA projects

The project was originally approved for $243,000 of downtown tax increment financing funds in 2023, but was not completed, and the cost estimated has increase 106 percent to $483,000, according to city staff.

In June, commissioners approved an additional $257,000 of downtown tax increment financing funds the project bringing the total available TIF funding to $500,000 to cover any other cost increases.

Any unspent funds will be returned to the downtown TIF.

Brock Cherry, city planning director, said during the June 3, 2025 meeting that due to “internal delays, caused by staffing shortages and also turnover within our engineering division the project has not yet moved forward.”

City approves TIF funds for downtown trash bins, trees

City staff reviewed the project and found it to be consistent with the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan.

The Downtown Development Partnership reviewed the initial request in 2023 and recommended the additional funds in November 2024.

In September 2022, the water main in 1st Avenue South near 7th Street South broke, damaging the sidewalk and driveway adjacent to the O’Haire Motor Inn.

Access to the O’Haire will be maintained during construction.

City engineering staff completed design phase engineering, including plans and specifications and will also provide construction phase engineering services and project inspection.

The city received two bids ranging from $423,888 to $538,450 with Smith River Construction submitting the low bid.