Street Redesign as an Economic Development Tool

"The public will get its first detailed look and chance to comment next week on new streetscape designs for Madison Avenue and Seventh Street aimed at complementing private investment by improving both the aesthetics and function of those downtown streets," reports Dan Hassert for the city of Covington, Kentucky.

"The proposed work includes moving utilities underground; enhancing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks; reducing maintenance of traffic signals by putting them on 'mast arms' instead of wires; resurfacing streets; and adding trees, plants and decorative street lights," according to Hassert.

The streetscape improvements are being pitched as an economic development strategy for the city's primary business district, according to the article. "The goal is to improve the look, 'feel,' and walkability of Covington’s primary business district to make it more inviting to prospective businesses and talent."

The city has undertaken similar street redesign work for the same economic development purposes on Madison Avenue, Scott Boulevard, and Sixth Street.