Grandview Revitalization Causes Worry
GRANDVIEW -- With a major facelift just weeks away, some business owners are worried about a drop in sales.
In between barron sidewalks, blacked-out stores, and blank signs, Gloria Mendoza welcomes what's ahead for Grandview.
"I'm always open for change," she says. "Change is good."
Soon, Mendoza well get her wish. Beginning in March, her hometown will undergo its biggest facelift in more than a century. The plans include replacing old underground plumbing, widening sidewalks, and planting dozens of trees.
After several years of debate, the project's fate was sealed this past week, when the city made a bid to a local contractor.
As part of the project, many of downtown Grandview's sidewalks will be completely torn up, and some business owners worry that their customer base will take a hit.
"I'm worried about them finding us, and stopping, if there's no sidewalks to walk on," says antique shop owner Judy Knight.
City officials have hosted hearings to address concerns, but ultimately decided in favor of the $4 million project.
They insist the project will be systematic. Only one block will be constructed at a time.
Work on the revitalization is expected to last a year. In that time, more empty shops may emerge downtown, but city officials are confident rejuvenation is right around the corner.
In between barron sidewalks, blacked-out stores, and blank signs, Gloria Mendoza welcomes what's ahead for Grandview.
"I'm always open for change," she says. "Change is good."
Soon, Mendoza well get her wish. Beginning in March, her hometown will undergo its biggest facelift in more than a century. The plans include replacing old underground plumbing, widening sidewalks, and planting dozens of trees.
After several years of debate, the project's fate was sealed this past week, when the city made a bid to a local contractor.
As part of the project, many of downtown Grandview's sidewalks will be completely torn up, and some business owners worry that their customer base will take a hit.
"I'm worried about them finding us, and stopping, if there's no sidewalks to walk on," says antique shop owner Judy Knight.
City officials have hosted hearings to address concerns, but ultimately decided in favor of the $4 million project.
They insist the project will be systematic. Only one block will be constructed at a time.
Work on the revitalization is expected to last a year. In that time, more empty shops may emerge downtown, but city officials are confident rejuvenation is right around the corner.
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