BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT -- Local business owners and residents were ecstatic Thursday over consultants' preliminary drawings of streetscape improvements on Monmouth Street.
"I think everybody's excited. It's nice to see positive moves toward the future," said Bill Woody, owner of Woody's Engraving on Monmouth. "I think it's a major plus for the people and the city of Newport."
Monmouth meeting
At a Monmouth Street Commission meeting Thursday, Brandstetter Carroll Inc. presented its master plan for the Monmouth Street corridor, extending from Fifth Street to 11th. About 50 people attended the meeting at the City Building.
Main features of the project:
- A brick band along the entire length of the curb.
- New curbs and sidewalks.
- Additional trees.
- Benches.
- Period-style light fixtures.
- Relocation of utilities underground or to the rear of buildings.
Mr. Woody said business owners are concerned about how much money they might be asked to contribute to sidewalk improvements and relocation of utilities.
"Those are issues that aren't resolved at this point," City Manager Jim Parsons said.
Mr. Parsons said the consultants and the city are working with Cinergy to determine the cost of moving utilities.
"It's very exciting. I just hope it happens soon," said Jose Garcia, co-owner of Vox Architects Plus Builders.
The business relocated two weeks ago to Newport from Over-the-Rhine. The first phase of construction, expected to begin in July, will be in the 900 block of Monmouth.
It will take three to four months to complete.
"As developments continue to proceed on the riverfront and the Millennium Monument gears up, the upgrading of the appearance of our downtown is crucial," said Eric Avner, Newport's Main Street coordinator.
"This streetscape program is intended to create a pedestrian-friendly environment that will encourage people who come to visit the aquarium and the other attractions to walk up into downtown."
