It’s a conundrum faced by many growing cities — should the focus be on space for cars or space for people? Under a plan for streetscape improvements in downtown Washington, there will be slightly less room for cars, and more room for pedestrians, along with a host of improvements to sidewalks, landscaping and accessibility.

The streetscape plan that has been developed for one block of Main Street between Gladden and Respess streets was the topic of conversation during a public meeting held at the Washington Civic Center on Tuesday, during which representatives from design company Rivers and Associates fielded questions from the public.

TWO PLANS

Of the plans prepared for the city by Rivers and Associates, the two designs have a number of similarities — both would involve installing new sidewalks and amenities such as bicycle parking and benches, and reclaiming green space.

The largest difference in the two is the number of parking spaces that would be included on West Main Street. Under the first option, three spaces would be added to the block, going from 19 to 22. The second option would lose five spaces, going from 19 to 14 spots, with parking restricted to the right side of the road. Sidewalks on either side of the road would be 14 feet wide under the second plan, creating a more pedestrian-friendly experience. Stone sidewalk designs would reflect those used on Stewart Parkway, tying the two areas of the city together visually, with connectivity through existing alleyways.

The city is leaning toward the second option.

According to Mayor Mac Hodges, the city may have to look at the possibility of a parking deck in the lot between the Turnage Theatre and the Beaufort County Courthouse, a project that would likely require some cooperation from the county. According to Emily Rebert, with the City Planning and Development office, federal grant money could help fund a future parking deck project.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

In their presentation, Rivers and Associate Senior Project Manager Allison Platt highlighted the benefits she has seen from streetscape development in other communities she has worked with. Citing examples from New Bern, Pembroke and Goldsboro, the message was clear — streetscapes are an investment in the city that can pay great dividends.

In addition to making a pleasant public space to walk, shop and enjoy life, Platt demonstrated that cities that have invested in their streetscapes have significantly benefited from public grants to complete the projects, while also attracting millions of dollars in private investments.

“If you create a place that’s the very soul of your community that is beautiful, and creates a setting for your beautiful historic buildings and encourages people to buy buildings and local businesses, that creates a bigger tax base that you can then use to move out from the downtown,” Platt said.

Platt has previously developed designs for the waterfront promenade, as well as a master plan for Washington.

MERCHANT PERSPECTIVES

Among West Main Street merchants, enthusiasm for the streetscape project has been mixed. While some expressed excitement for the renovations, others had a variety of concerns. Many business owners between Gladden and Respess streets said they were unable to make the meeting due to scheduling conflicts or daily demands of their stores and restaurants.

At Little Shoppes and South Market Antiques, co-owner Rebecca Clark expressed excitement about the project. With a back entrance to their building, Clark says for her and her associates, it will be a matter of redirecting customers to come in the back door.

“We think it is really going to drive business to downtown,” Clark said. “There’s going to be a little bit of pain right now when they start construction, but we feel like it’s going to be well worth it. I’m very excited that we’re in the first block they’re going to do, because I think it’s an opportunity to see how wonderful it can look.”

For Joan Meyland, co-owner of Grub Brother’s Eatery and the Bank Bistro, the prospect of connecting West Main Street and the waterfront is exciting, especially the idea of making use of existing alleyways.

“I would like for Main Street and the Waterfront to feel connected,” Meyland said.

For Tracy Warren, of Warren’s Sport Headquarters, the possible disruption to his business during construction is a serious concern.

“I’m completely against it,” Warren said. “When you close down businesses, everybody does not have back door access to their business and the customers aren’t going to shop.”

FUNDING

Within the 2018-19 city budget, the city council appropriated $200,000 for the project, with an additional $200,000 expected to be in this year’s budget. By completing the streetscape plan for one block, the city hopes to leverage state and federal grant funding opportunities to continue renovations down Main Street.

Should the plan come to fruition, the actual cost of the project will be determined during a public bidding process.

A full video of the streetscape meeting can be found online at vimeo.com/washingtonnc.