Revitalization Plan: More Damage Than Good?

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Story Published: May 27, 2009 at 5:17 PM PDT

By Audrey Asistio

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GRANDVIEW -- Gary Boyd just opened his antique shop in Grandview, last month. But now, he is worried the city's downtown revitalization renovations could make it harder for customers to come into his store. Boyd explained, "Can you imagine anybody buying a great big piece of furniture and having them carry it two blocks away? Would you want to do that? I don't think so!"

Grandview city leaders say the pipes underneath their downtown's streets are old and need to be replaced. For quicker construction, they plan to replace those pipes and revitalize the downtown area at the same time. But that process will take a while. Boyd worries the renovation could destroy his new business. "They're gonna tear up the sidewalks, then they're gonna leave it for who knows how long. To me, it's ridiculous."

City leaders worry that is a short-sighted view. Mayor Pro-Tem Pam Horner told Action News, "We have to remember that it will be a short term inconvenience."

Horner says her insurance business will also be affected by the renovation, but says she is ready to reap the benefits. "The timing is perfect, and so while it's inconvenient, it is going to be less so by doing this once and once only, than to repair the pipes and then do it again for the beautification of the downtown."

Local businesses may have to put up with this regardless. Plans are to start tearing up the streets this summer.

Grandview city council is still not sure how long construction is going to take. They're holding a public meeting on the revitalization, May 28th, 7p.m., at the Vineyard, 150 Division Street.

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