The City of Troy is preparing to use a $390,000 TAP grant awarded in 2014 to replace damaged sidewalks surrounding the Square in order to beautify the area and become ADA compliant.

The Downtown Streetscape project would fix sidewalks on portions of South Three Notch Street, Church Street, Elm Street, Love Street, Oak Street and W. Walnut Street.

In addition to replacing the existing damaged sidewalks, the project would implement handrails, street trees and landscaping.

Melissa Sanders, Planning and Zoning administrator, explained the purpose of pursuing the project.

“The replacement of the existing concrete sidewalks with new concrete sidewalks will significantly improve the existing pedestrian transportation system inside the downtown commercial district of Troy,” Sanders said. “Additionally, landscaping will be incorporated into the new sidewalks where adequate space is available. Trees will be installed in these green areas to provide both shade and beauty to future pedestrians traveling through the downtown area.

“Downtown Troy is a unique and vital part of our community,” said Mayor Jason Reeves. “The opportunity for the TAP grant we have been awarded to improve and enhance this treasure has been a goal of the city and will make downtown both easier for pedestrians and more beautiful to visitors.”

The Downtown Streetscape project aligns with the city’s recent efforts to revitalize the Troy’s historic downtown district via the Downtown Plan, a 10-year strategy that is being crafted by city officials, downtown merchants and Troy residents.

“The improvements will also tie-in to the previous improvements constructed in the downtown area,” Sanders said. “Our downtown has an amazing square with several businesses, but there are other business, services, and parking areas outside of the immediate square in downtown. This project will help to create a more attractive and walk-able connected downtown so that visitors will enjoy all of what our downtown has to offer.”

Sanders said that the project not only fits within the Downtown Plan, but may be an important factor to spurring other proposed changes.

“Hopefully this will give store owners a significant reason to move forward with improvements to the store fronts, drawing more customers to the area” Sanders said. “The crisp appearance will invite visitors to view the downtown area and stop by shops and businesses.”

The City is hoping for the project to be approved by the Alabama Department of Transportation next month so that it can be put out for bid in the fall, Sanders said. For more information about the plans to revitalize downtown, go to www.troyal.gov/planDT or call Melissa Sanders at 670-6058.