New walkways to continue historic district commitment
This summer’s sidewalk replacement project along Montgomery Road will be a massive undertaking for the City. The existing brick sidewalk on the east side of Montgomery Road between Cooper and Remington will be replaced with a new clay brick sidewalk. While a significant investment by the City, the project is hardly unique.
Over the years, Montgomery has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the public streetscape of the downtown. The original brick sidewalk dates to the late 1970s, when the City initiated its plan to create the small town atmosphere that now defines the community. The historic streetlamps, the flower pots, and benches have been a signature of the district for years.
In 2005 the City redesigned Parrott Alley so that visitors arriving by car to the downtown would have an attractive pedestrian corridor to stroll as they make their way from the public parking lot on Shelly Lane to the business district. Last fall, the city put the finishing touches on Triangle Point Plaza at the south end of Montgomery Gateway Center. This attractive pocket park serves as both an entrance feature to the historic district, as well as a place for visitors to relax and enjoy the fountain.
Last fall, the City also installed brick paver crosswalks at key locations, and added lighted crosswalks on Montgomery Road and Main Street. The City’s signature clock has been refurbished, and soon the bell tower, which has been relocated from its original location at Cooper and Montgomery to Ted Gregory Lane next to Montgomery Cyclery, will provide an even more impressive musical repertoire with the addition of two new towers.
In the future, the City will continue its investment. Plans are underway to update Neuilly Plaisance Plaza in 2009, and the City is also looking for other options to provide other public gathering places. The City will also replace the brick sidewalk on the west side of Montgomery Road in 2009. All of these efforts are designed to improve the ambiance of the downtown and make it an even more attractive place to shop, dine and relax.