Lorain Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project Nearly Complete!

The Lorain Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project has transformed our “downtown.” Stretching from roughly West 165th Street all the way to Fairview Hospital, the project continues the renaissance of Kamm’s Corners.

A gala ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 15th, 2010, featuring Mayor Frank Jackson and Ward 19 Councilman Marty Keane. Lorain Avenue will be closed from Rocky River Drive east to West 165th Street, and the ribbon cutting, scheduled for noon, will be followed by live music, family friendly activities, and a Walk+Roll event through the neighborhood. Area eateries and taverns will have specials to keep the party going strong! Plan to join in the fun!

By then, the new planters will be filled with blossoming vegetation and trees. Already, the old poles have been replaced with historic lighting posts and the wiring has been buried underground. New traffic signals are already fully functioning. Re-surfacing of the pavement from the bridge to West 150th will take place soon.

The artwork below illustrates the improvements, which include:

1. New sidewalks, with decorative granite blocks and a charcoal colored paver strip at the curbs.
2. New irrigated planter boxes that will also allow for seating. Many of the planters will have electric outlets for lighting of the street trees.
3. New, more compact, yet airy, street trees.
4. New benches, bike racks, and waste receptacles.
5. Removal of all telephone poles and associated overhead wiring!
6. Installation of retro-style “tear drop” light poles with upswept arms.
7. New upswept traffic light mast arms.
8. Public Art!

Other components include:

1. Retention of the angle parking to keep as much parking as possible.
2. Retention of our wide sidewalks to encourage al fresco dining.
3. A new crosswalk at Kamm’s Plaza’s western entrance with a small concrete island in the middle of the road.
4. Re-configuration of the Lorain side of the Shell Station driveways, eliminating one, and moving the remaining one farther from the intersection at Rocky River Drive.

The Lorain Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project further energizes and accelerates the continued improvement of the Kamm’s Corners neighborhood. Already, this substantial public investment is drawing new businesses, residents, and visitors to the neighborhood and is enhancing property values for those already here. Welcome to our future!

Groundbreaking took place on Thursday, November 6th, 2008, featuring Fairview Hospital COO Frank Mills, Ward 21 Councilman Marting Keane, and Mayor Frank Jackson.