A rehabbed riverfront for Sterling: More than just a park

STERLING – The city is making progress on cleaning up the riverfront, and now it's time to start thinking about making it easier for people to enjoy the area.

Earlier this summer, the City Council asked City Planner Dustin Wolff what could be done to make the riverfront more accessible for recreation. Wolff brought a plan to the council Monday and asked for feedback.

The three-phase concept was based on part of a redevelopment master plan done several years ago.

"We have a lot of parks here, but this is programmed for bigger events and getting people along the river again," Wolff said. "We want more than 9 to 5 activity down there – people want to work and play in the same space."

The first phase would be focused on getting people from Wallace Street to the riverfront and from Gateway Plaza to the overlook.

"This phase builds on investments that have already been made, such as the plaza, curbs and sidewalks," Wolff said.

The second phase of the project includes a multi-use trail that loops from the riverfront to the plaza. Another path that can hold water becomes an ice rink and skating ribbon with a nearby warming house. The third phase brings a splash pad and fire ring area into the mix.

An amphitheater would be the main feature on the west side of the downtown riverfront area. It would be surrounded by lots of green space – a 1.5-acre west lawn, a city garden, two overlooks, and riprap as a natural edge along the river.

Large parking areas would be located on the east and west sides, which would be linked by a pedestrian bridge. A stormwater retention pond would be between the city garden and amphitheater.

Wolff said the cost estimates for each phase haven't been worked up yet.

"Our recommendation is to do the first phase first, but that's up to the council," Wolff said. "You want to get people to the riverfront, and then you can do some other things little by little."

Alderman Jim Wise said an emphasis should be put on safety.

"I'd like to see us do more than just put lighting in," Wise said. "If we make safety a priority, more people will use it."

Videocameras, public Wi-Fi, and emergency call boxes were discussed as possibilities.

Mayor Skip Lee suggested restrooms on both sides, and access points for canoes and kayaks. Officials are still looking at the original plan of using a walk bridge to connect the new park with Lawrence Park.

One-way streets

Wolff also has been working on plans to eliminate one-way streets, especially in the downtown. Wolff said the trend is for cities to go back to traditional two-way streets, in large part because they are deemed more business-friendly.

Evaluating the process of getting rid of one-way streets was included in the city's strategic plan.

A traffic study has begun and Wolff brought some preliminary findings to the council.

Road projects

A bid for several street resurfacing projects was awarded to Civil Constructors of Freeport. Of the two bids received, Civil had the low bid of $302,737.75.

"Most of these streets are torn up already and just need asphalt," City Manager Scott Shumard said. "The longer they are left open, the better the road settles."

City Engineer Brian Frickenstein said the bid was nearly 25 percent lower than the engineer's estimated for the project.

Plan Commission

The council sent a petition from Hair & Company Family Salon, 2605 Woodlawn Road, Suite 2, to the Plan Commission for review. The owners are requesting that the business be granted a special-use permit that would allow them to do cosmetic tattooing, which mimics the appearance of traditional cosmetics, such as eyeliner and lipstick. The property is owned by Schmitt Partners LP, and the business is run by Sandy Glazier.

The Plan Commission next meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 in council chambers.

STREET IMPROVEMENTS

The following streets are included in a resurfacing project awarded to Civil Constructors Monday:

• West Eighth Street from Avenue K to Avenue J (paving only)

• Avenue J - West Seventh to Ninth Streets (paving only)

• Avenue C - West 11th to 12th Streets (paving only)

• East Eighth Street - First to Third Avenues (paving only)

• 11th Avenue - East Fourth to Sixth Streets (paving only)

• East Sixth Street - Broadway to Eighth Avenue (excavate, backfill, and paving)

• West Seventh Street - Avenue D to G (grind and overlay)

NEXT MEETING

The City Council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 at City Hall, 212 Third Ave., in the first-floor Council Chambers.