Trenton wins SEMCOG planning grant for West Jefferson streetscape study

Trenton City Council on Aug. 18 approved a SEMCOG Planning Assistance Grant and a local match to fund a West Jefferson Street streetscape study that will produce visual concepts and budget estimates for pedestrian, lighting, furnishing and parking improvements. The vote was unanimous. The study, to be performed by Beckett and Raider, was described by the downtown development authority director as a planning-level effort — visuals and order-of-magnitude estimates rather than construction documents. City documents and the presentation say the total project cost is $60,000; the SEMCOG grant covers $32,740, the DDA will provide a matching contribution, and the remaining cost was budgeted in the city’s fiscal 2025–26 budget. The DDA director told council the agreement has been reviewed by the city attorney. Councilmembers welcomed the public outreach planned as part of the study. Councilwoman Hornbeck praised the work to secure the grant and Councilwoman Rodriguez said she was pleased the project will include community open houses and stakeholder collaboration. The council approved the grant agreement and the DDA contribution by unanimous voice vote. The study is intended to guide future public improvements along West Jefferson Avenue between Maple and Harrison and to help the DDA and city prioritize and budget projects. Funding and grant details were presented to council during the regular meeting; the agreement was approved without amendments.