Long notorious for its drainage problems, dearth of turning lanes and sidewalks, Mississippi Avenue east of Pierce has been dubbed everything from a pedestrian safety hazard to an eyesore. But things are about to change for the busy street that forms the northernmost boundary of our Association.
According to Vince Casteel, Design Section head, Lakewood Public Works department, Mississippi improvements from Pierce to Sheridan will begin in 2000. Starting soon, possibly in April, city workers will survey the avenue, do baseline drawings, and map existing conditions. Design work and right-of-way acquisitions will follow. The $2.65 million construction phase, all budgeted for 2001, will widen the avenue, adding a continuous turning lane, curb and gutter, and sidewalks. The irrigation ditch bordering Mississippi could remain open or be closed, and other details have yet to be worked out.
The City will notify business and residential property owners whose land borders Mississippi by letter before preliminary work begins. City staff will then hold at least one workshop-style public meeting with interested parties to discuss questions and issues.
If you want to have a voice in the shape of Mississippi Ave. improvements, call the City Public Works Department Design section and ask to be notified of meeting time and place. In addition, the Greenbrier-Cloverdale Homeowners Association (GCHOA) Board will participate in public meetings on this rehab project.
Although plans call for all construction to be completed in 2001, obtaining permits and right-of-way acquisitions could cause delays.
Your GCHOA has long been active in improving Mississippi Ave. The existing sidewalk and improvements from Pierce to Lamar were made as a result of a matching funds from the Association and the City.