As Rossville’s streetscape is being wrapped up, one city councilman hopes another enhancement project is in the city’s future.
“I would like to see us think about and maybe look at getting a streetscape for McFarland Avenue,” Councilman Teddy Harris said. “(McFarland) is in desperate need of improvements.”
Streetscape projects, like the current one on Chickamauga Avenue, improve downtown areas with improvements like decorative sidewalks, streetlights and landscaping.
Officials said the projects usually make a city more pedestrian-friendly, which can help draw more business and customers and boost the economy.
“(Streetscapes also) improve the quality of life of area residents, along with improving their mobility and safety,” said Mohamed Arafa, communications officer for the Georgia Department of Transportation. GDOT administered the grant used to fund most of the project.
Mr. Harris said no plans have been made regarding a McFarland Avenue project, and the current streetscape is a step in the right direction for the city.
“Rossville has more businesses than people realize,” he said. “We will never be the textile center we were in the past. ... But when you’ve got 40,000 cars (a day) coming through your city, you have potential for all kinds of economic growth.”
Dr. Arafa said as far as the traveling public is concerned, Rossville’s streetscape is finished, but Mayor Johnny Baker said there is still work to be done.
Crews are working in front of Roy’s Grill, Mr. Baker said.
“Once all the poles are up, we’ve got to go back and make sure everything is brushed up,” he said.
There are some questions about whether the city or GDOT will pay for portions of the project.
“There are a few more change orders, and we are trying to find out exactly who should pay for those,” the mayor said. “If it is our fault, fine, but if it’s not our fault, someone else should recoup those.”
The $1.7 million project has been challenging, but in the end will be rewarding, Rossville officials agreed.
Mr. Harris said the project has encouraged some business owners to spruce up their buildings, and he hopes more will follow.
Professional Concrete Finishing of Chattanooga is finishing up the sidewalks, and Ivan Tony Jr., company president, said he has heard praise from merchants in the area. He said the concrete work should be completed in a couple of weeks.
Mr. Harris said there are still issues, but the area looks “cleaner.”
“I’ll be glad to see it finished,” he said.
