Designers presented possible themes for Main Street’s streetscape on October 26th.
“The committee liked both concepts that we presented and wanted us to blend the two ideas into one,” said Ryan Peterson, a landscape architect for the streetscape design. “Now we want to continue to modify the concept to reflect the committee’s direction. Ultimately, the committee [and project team] want to attract visitors to downtown and make it a memorable experience that they want to share with others. The idea is that downtown and the entire City of Waupaca becomes an even greater destination.” The streetscape design will be presented at a public open house in January. But before any concept can be refined, the design team needs confirmation from the Wisconsin Department Transportation on the parking arrangement – angle and parallel.
Marty Shukert, Principal Planner, discussed the five parking scenarios for Main Street. “The committee and project team is recommending the ‘hybrid’ streetscape design, which includes mostly angle parking throughout Main Street. Parallel parking is recommended on the east side of Main Street from Badger to Union, otherwise we’re recommending the balance of the street be angle parking. The committee mostly agrees that backing out of some stalls are difficult.” Again, the ‘hybrid’ concept is being presented to WisDOT for consideration. The city will learn whether the alignment satisfies WisDOT’s criteria by the end of 2016.
“Reconstruction is not expected to begin until 2019,” said Jeff Saxby, Project Engineer.
“We have several years to prepare for the reconstruction of Main Street and develop strategies to limit the disturbance the reconstruction will have on business,” explained Cory Scott, Project Manager. “Reconstruction is not fun. It’s a little like surgery. The operation is inconvenient. In the end, we’re better than we were. We’ve seen dozens of communities bare the experience of reconstruction and come out of it with a lively downtown. We’re impressed with the city’s commitment to improving downtown.”
Updates will continue to appear on this site. Feel free to contact Brennan Kane at bkane@cityofwaupaca.com for more information.