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Committee advances conceptual design for Boscawen Street improvements, aims for Jan. 4, 2027 construction start
Summary
Staff presented a conceptual streetscape design for Boscawen Street featuring removable bollards, gateway features, planters, improved storm drainage and pedestrian enhancements; the committee approved advancing the design to council/bidding steps with construction planned to begin Jan. 4, 2027.
City staff presented the conceptual design for improvements on Boscawen Street to the Planning and Economic Development Committee on May 28 and the committee voted to advance the design resolution toward council approval and bidding.
A project manager told the committee that staff remain on schedule for a construction start of Jan. 4, 2027, followed by a short construction window intended to allow substantial completion in time for the wine festival and the Apple Blossom Festival. "We are still on schedule... to be able to try to do construction on improvements starting 01/04/2027," the project manager said.
Designer Kelly walked the committee through the concept drawings, which include gateway features at Indian Alley and the east end, removable safety bollards designed to be pulled by pin in emergencies, raised planters, potential outdoor seating where businesses requested it, decorative fountains in the city center plaza, and a 16-foot clear lane down the middle to preserve emergency vehicle access. "That is the 16 foot open space that we need to maintain for emergency vehicle access," Kelly said.
Staff also described drainage and sidewalk replacements, a reconfigured crosswalk at Boscawen and Cameron Street to improve pedestrian visibility, and a raised crosswalk between the parking garage and the courthouse. The design team said stormwater improvements will include additional storm piping and that some sidewalk sections are in "dire need of repair."
On parking and access, staff said they are negotiating to acquire property behind City Hall and sections of Rouse Avenue so the city could add dedicated handicap-accessible parking and improve public egress around the building. The project team committed to maintaining pedestrian access to businesses during construction and to renewed outreach to affected business owners late this summer.
A committee member moved to approve the resolution authorizing the conceptual design to proceed; the motion carried and staff will take next steps to finalize design drawings, advertise the project for bids and work toward contract award in time for the planned January mobilization.
The committee's approval advances the conceptual design to council and prepares the project for final design and bidding phases.
