Big changes are coming to Central Avenue. In an effort to stimulate the Heights’ economy, Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the city council will soon vote on a $4 million plan to redesign the Heights’ Central Avenue.
The project’s goal is to turn Central Avenue — the Heights’ main commercial thoroughfare — into a “premier shopping district.” Central Avenue is home to 240 storefronts, 1,400 employees, and thousands of visitors per day.
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“This project goes beyond beautification with much broader goals to support retail and business, entice shoppers, grow commerce, stimulate growth, spark innovation, and expand local job opportunities,” said Mayor Fulop in a statement.
The streetscape improvements along Central Avenue will run from Manhattan Avenue to Paterson Plank Road. They’ll include:
- New colored concrete curbs and sidewalks
- handicapped curb ramps with detectable warning surface
- milling and resurfacing of the roadway
- new traffic striping
- improved signage
- additional traffic signals, bike racks, and trash receptacles
- decorative benches for a more welcoming and enticing atmosphere
- new LED-based lighting fixtures
The project also calls for the planting of over 100 new trees and the preservation of over 80 existing trees.
“Now more than ever we must invest in our small businesses, and I’m committed to working together and finishing what Councilman Yun started, so we can catalyze the economic development of The Heights amid these challenging times,” said Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh. The Central
City officials will vote on the Central Avenue Streetscape Redesign and Roadway Improvements project during Wednesday’s city council meeting. If approved, the project will be done in partnership with the Central Avenue Special Improvement District (Central Ave SID).
