The face of M-24 in front of Eastlawn Cemetery and Green’s Park is getting a makeover thanks to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
According to DDA Director Lois Golden, the DDA is funding a quarter-million dollar lighting and fencing project along M-24.
The project features decorative lighting and fencing that will be uniform in design, a goal the DDA has, Golden said.
‘The DDA just wanted to enhance those two public areas and to compliment what’s already there on that property,? she added, noting the project was originally intended solely for the cemetery, but after some consideration, the DDA expanded it to include Green’s Park.
The project features the implementation of a wrought-iron fence and lighting that sits atop brick piers. According to Golden, the brick selected for this will also be used in future projects as to continue to promote uniformity in design throughout the downtown.
In terms of the fencing at Eastlawn, Golden said it has been pushed back and angled, which will benefit pedestrian with more walking space, as well as give drivers a clear line of sight.
‘That’s due to the diligence of our police chief and our DPW,? she added, noting no gravesites will be affected in the placement of the fence.
According to Golden, this project has been in the works since 2001, and although it faced some delays early on, progress is rapidly continuing and she foresees it being completed by the fall.
‘In the next two years, people are going to see some dramatic changes in the parks and public areas with these projects finally moving along,? she added.