Not everyone is thrilled to see the last stretch of Vernon’s main street beautified.
Opposition surfaced as a majority of city council agreed Monday to spend $100,000 on a revitalization design for 30th Avenue between 33rd and 35th streets.
“This is nothing but a cosmetic project,” said Coun. Bob Spiers, who is concerned the city is paying for trees and other items merchants in other blocks of 30th Avenue were forced to cover years ago.
That’s also a concern for Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who has a business on another section of 30th Avenue.
“We paid for the whole shot and we’re still paying for it,” she said, adding the burden for this new project is being forced on to all taxpayers.
“It’s difficult for other businesses in town that are hurting.”
However, support came from the rest of council for the revitalization project, which will cost about $2 million.
“I view this overall for the health of the city,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.
Previous revitalization attempts had been shot down by property owners in the two blocks, but they recently asked the city to move ahead with the work.
Mayor Rob Sawatzky believes there is no choice but to proceed with the project.
“When we agreed to go down this path after a request from the businesses, we made a commitment to them,” he said.
Besides decorative lighting, sidewalks and landscaping, sanitary and storm sewer utilities will be replaced.
“There are areas of pipes missing and the structural integrity is poor,” said Mark Dowhaniuk, infrastructure engineer.
It’s expected project — which will see 30th Avenue go from four to two lanes of traffic — could begin in April 2013.
