East 7th Street makeover still pending

It’s been so long since the project started – 2001 – that it’s hard to imagine the city actually intended, at one time, to improve East 7^th Street.

 

Planner Clay Harris was on hand at the Design Commission on Monday night to talk about progress on the Public Works project, which would reconstruct and improve stretches of East 7^th Street between Navasota and Pleasant Valley.

 

The East 7^th Street project began in 2001, followed by extensive community input in 2002. The drainage/water side of the project was divided out, with street reconstruction and improvement left to the Public Works Department.

 

This project, though long delayed, could qualify for federal stimulus funding, Harris speculated. Critical goals and concerns have been to improve the corridor appearance, to provide some type of revitalization effort and to improve safety at the various intersections along the roadway, which Harris outlined.

 

Intersections, in particular, would get updated, with patterned pavers, improved signage and upgraded lighting, sidewalk improvements and some civic art. In some places, the median would be improved. In others, the bus stops will be upgraded, with the assistance of Capital Metro. A couple of intersections will include small pocket parks to add to the ambience.