BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 \u201cAnything that brings more people downtown and helps businesses thrive \u2014 we fully support,\u201d said Drew Kirk, co-owner of the Botanist, as city leaders broke ground on a long-anticipated street improvement project in downtown Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
City officials on Monday launched construction on the 18th and 19th Street Complete Streets Project, a multi-phase effort designed to improve safety, accessibility and overall appearance along a key downtown corridor.<\/p>\n
Public Works Director Zachary Meyer said the project will eventually stretch from F Street to Mill Creek, with the first phase focusing on L Street to O Street.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is where the roadways and sidewalks are enhanced to meet the needs of all the users in that space \u2014 not just the cars,\u201d Meyer said.<\/p>\n
The project includes resurfaced roads, improved sidewalks, new street lighting, bike-friendly striping and more than 180 trees and shrubs. Crews will also install bulb-outs at intersections to slow traffic and shorten pedestrian crossing distances.<\/p>\n
City leaders framed the project as part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we\u2019re celebrating renewal, but we\u2019re also celebrating progress that happens when we all work together,\u201d Mayor Karen Goh said during the ceremony. \u201cBakersfield\u2019s best days are being built right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councilmember Andrae Gonzales said the project has been years in the making, tracing early discussions back to 2017.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo turn a great idea into a reality takes a lot of work, a lot of time and effort,\u201d Gonzales said. \u201cThis will be a transformative project that helps connect our downtown and drive future economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Construction is expected to last through October, with work happening in phases that will shift block by block. While some street closures and disruptions are expected, city officials say they are working with businesses to minimize impacts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe never want to impact businesses,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cBut we\u2019re going to work with each business owner to make sure customers can still access them and try to minimize parking and traffic issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kirk said he understands the temporary inconvenience.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think adding to the overall good vibes and good looks of the street is always going to be beneficial,\u201d he said. \u201cYou go to other cities, and their downtown areas are thriving and well taken care of \u2014 that brings people in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, he acknowledged some concerns about construction during business hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope major construction is kept to a minimum when we\u2019re open,\u201d Kirk said. \u201cBut we\u2019ll push through. It won\u2019t last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
City officials say the improvements are expected to make downtown more walkable, safer and more attractive for residents, visitors and investors.<\/p>\n
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