THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 11, 1994 TAG: 9408090157
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
The city has set aside $193,000 to create model streetscapes in commercial areas of Ghent.
The specific locations have not yet been determined. But city officials contemplate a program that emphasizes landscaping, new sidewalks and antique-style street furnishings, such as lampposts, benches, street signs and trash cans.
The program springs from the work of the Ghent Task Force, a panel of Ghent business and residential leaders chaired by Mayor Paul D. Fraim.
Although the city initially was going to do one block on either 21st Street or Colley Avenue as a model streetscape, Fraim last week said he would like two prototypes completed during this 1994-95 budget year.
One would be on 21st and the other on Colley, he said, noting the different character of each commercial corridor.
The mayor said he soon hopes to have Ghent Task Force members meet with property owners. Those willing to improve their buildings may get first consideration for public improvements, he said.
The initial funding, Fraim added, also will include some improvements to traffic signals, especially at Colonial Avenue and 21st Street.
After that, Fraim hopes to complete improvements throughout most of commercial 21st Street and Colley Avenue within four years.
KEYWORDS: GHENT
by CNB