Auburn has always been known as a historic town, and recently City Council members have proposed ideas of adding a historic streetscape to downtown Auburn to re-educate the community. This streetscape will have historic pictures, information, and local places to shop and eat.
City manager, Bob Richardson, went to city council to propose the streetscape idea and Special Legislation later passed it. A group of citizens will help and design the ongoing project.
In July of 2009, phase one of construction began in downtown Auburn to renovate the intersection at High St. and Lincoln Way. The phase included storm water filtration, new efficient lighting and overhead utilities to be moved underground. This was the first phase of 6-9 more phases.
Three pedestals were added to phase one, along with a fire pit, eating area, planter pot, and a living Christmas tree. On each pedestal, a touch screen computer will be placed to look through the history and pictures of old Auburn and new, local places near by.
“I think it provides a nice gathering place for people to come and enjoy eating outside. The flower planters and fire pit bring beauty to the area, and the pedestals educate locals,” stated Kevin Hanley, a city council member.
It will cost approximately 1 million dollars per phase and about a year to complete just one phase. The project should take 6-12 years to complete all together. Phase two will start next year, depending on if Auburn holds the summer bike race. If that doesn’t happen, construction of phase two may begin next spring.
“The information is great, but something that expensive is going to get vandalized. I think that trying to make something interactive is fun, but the price isn’t worth it. Enough is enough,” said Monica Finn, an Auburn resident.
Redevelopment money is used for these city renovation projects. The money comes from bonds that the city council had to take to a credit rating agency. This agency gave them bonds to sell to various business and private parties. All together, the bonds brought in four million dollars for the renovation of downtown Auburn.
“It is redevelopment money and can only be used for the redevelopment of Auburn. It’s used to revitalize areas,” told Keith Nesbit, a member of city council. “People always ask ‘Why don’t we use this money for other things?’ but that’s a different fund.”
Phase two is to broaden the sidewalks for easier accessibility from the renovated central square towards the state theatre until Pine St. Phase two will also include having the rest of the overhead utilities placed underground, such as water pipes and electricity wires.
“This is a good opportunity for everyone; it gives many jobs to construction workers and gets local businesses noticed easier,” said Hanley. “Since phase one went so well, we are very hopeful for the rest of the phases.”