NEWS RELEASE

Downtown Streetscape Project – Dec. 20, 2006

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Elizabeth Hailey, City Administrator
220 N. Chestnut
Jefferson, IA 50129
Telephone – 515-386-3111
FAX – 515-386-4671

Carla Offenburger, Committee Co-chair
1516 310th St.
Jefferson, IA 50129
Telephone – 515-386-5488

For Release on Dec. 26, 2006

Downtown Streetscape Project Steering Committee Moving Forward on First Phase

The City of Jefferson is working towards improving the downtown area to remain competitive with neighboring cities. Traffic numbers have changed through downtown since US Highway 30 shifted to the north side of town many years ago. The city has the opportunity to create an inviting district to shop, work and visit.

The Downtown Streetscape Project steering committee, representing the city, county, downtown business, trees forever, master gardener, garden club, and community betterment members has begun educating the public and raising funds for the first phase project.

In October 2005, the City Council approved the 22-block concept plan presented by Howard R. Green Company and MHF Engineering. On Dec. 19, 2006, the City Council accepted the preliminary plan and obligated $250,000.000 toward the first phase project, including new pavement at the intersections and courthouse parking lot, new sidewalks, concrete pavers (brick), benches, trash receptacles, tables, trees and perennial flowers, water access, new lighting, decorative columns, signage, and accessible entrance to the bell tower plaza for the courthouse and on the business side of State Street, Wilson Street, Lincolnway, and Chestnut Street around the square up to $2,455,000, including engineering design and preparation of construction bid documents.

“The Steering Committee is actively seeking State and local funding for this project,” said Elizabeth Hailey, City Administrator of Jefferson.

Presentations of the first phase plan will occur by the end of February. The City intends to display the schematic drawings at City Hall from Dec. 12 through Jan. 2, at the Greene County Community Center from Jan. 2 through Jan. 12, and at the Greene County Courthouse from Jan 15 - 31. This will allow individuals an opportunity to review, comment, and perhaps consider a donation.

The Downtown Streetscape Project steering committee has agreed to put this project on an aggressive time schedule with plans to have engineering design done by December 2007. If all goes as planned, the city of Jefferson could see major changes to its downtown area taking place as early as April of 2008.

If you have any questions, you may contact Elizabeth Hailey at City Hall at 515-386-3111 or Carla Offenburger at 515-386-5488.