Winchester presentation outlines Main Street rebuild; downtown business owners warn construction could harm sales

Palmer Engineering on Tuesday presented a plan to reconstruct Winchester’s Main Street “high side,” describing angled parking, three new public “social stairs” near the courthouse, a mid‑block crossing and decorative brick facades and landscaping. The engineering team said the project is under review by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and is expected to be advertised for bids in October, with a one‑year contract anticipated for completion in the following fiscal year.

The presentation — led by Steven Sewell of Palmer Engineering — included a proposed sequencing plan: build the high side first, address the courthouse segment second and pave the roadway last. Sewell said the city expects to maintain two travel lanes during construction and that brief, short‑duration closures may occur only for activities such as concrete pours, when flaggers would direct traffic. He described liquidated damages and KYTC specification limits that would apply to contractor delays.

Many downtown business owners who spoke during the public‑comment period said they fear the short‑term economic impact of a year of construction. One long‑time downtown resident objected to the timing and scale, saying the work could “cripple” existing businesses. Retail operators and restaurateurs asked whether contingency funds exist for building stabilization or foundation repairs, whether a marketing or wayfinding campaign would be funded to keep customers coming during construction, and whether alley access would be maintained. Several speakers asked the commission to avoid major activity during the December holiday season.

City staff and commissioners responded that Main Street would remain open for traffic through staged shifts rather than full closure, and that the bid documents can require contractors to avoid December work if the commission prefers. Staff said the city would push a communications plan to downtown businesses and is evaluating potential downtown assistance (including possible DDF grants) and improved wayfinding and signage. Engineers said their current cost estimate is roughly $4 million and that the project includes some locally funded decorative and accessibility work; they confirmed the project relied on KYTC review and an MOA will be provided to the commission prior to advertising.

The commission did not take a final vote on the construction authorization at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to provide a sequencing plan, clarify liquidated‑damage amounts tied to project cost, and outline any available grant or contingency funding for impacted businesses. The city manager and public‑works director said they would follow up with more detailed schedules when a contractor submits a construction plan.