“We do have strong core amenities downtown…it’s just getting people to stop and enjoy.” That statement from Nick Mueller, Manitowoc City Planner for Business & Housing Development when talking about the new downtown “Streetscape” project.
Mueller tells SeehaferNews.com the main concrete elements at South 8th & Quay were finished last week with more intersections in the planning stage.
Miller explained that the Streetscape elements will be on both sides of 8th Street, and “this year’s budget I believe will be able to go all the way from Jay Street to York Street…The goal is to not to anything half way, but do it complete.”
Mueller explains over the years changes have brought forth a transformation from downtown being “one of movement rather than commerce”, resulting in what he termed a sterile streetscape.
The Manitowoc native spoke about planned improvements, including the addition of trees, planters, and benches, “all of which break down the big façade of uniform sides and colors, and make it a pleasant experience to walk down.”
Mueller added “we don’t have a parking problem as much as we have a walking problem.” Most people don’t think twice about walking a couple of blocks to get somewhere in places like Green Bay and Milwaukee, but “We have this notion in our downtown that unless you are parking right out front…there’s nowhere to park. Streetscape will help with that.”
The total expenditure this year on Streetscape is expected to be between $800,000 and $1 million, including already committed city dollars and $200,000 façade grants.
