ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Orlando continues efforts to bring more people back to downtown with several redevelopment projects planned to enhance the area and attract visitors.<\/p>\n
A major focus is West Church Street, which runs from Garland Avenue to John Young Parkway. On Monday, the city council will select a contractor to lead a transformation project for this roughly two-mile stretch. <\/p>\n
The project aims to improve travel times, reduce congestion, and enhance pedestrian crossings along the corridor.<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Orlando City Council approves $400M renovation for Camping World Stadium]<\/p>\n
West Church Street is heavily traveled, especially during events at big venues on the street: the Kia Center, Inter & Co. Stadium, and Camping World Stadium.<\/p>\n
When events end, thousands of people move through Church Street at once, and residents hope the improvements will ease the often frustrating process.<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s goal is to make Church Street feel just as lively during the day as it does at night, while making it more comfortable and safer for pedestrians.<\/p>\n
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Improvements to the street, along with a $400-million upgrade to Camping World Stadium, could entice people to arrive earlier for events and stay later, boosting the local economy and creating a thriving downtown.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think expansion and growth is good as long as it\u2019s here to listen to what Orlando wants,\u201d resident Sedrick Bernard.<\/p>\n