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Board hears near-complete update on Ether Vida streetscape, confirms tree plan and banner logistics
Summary
KCI Technologies reported phase two of the Ether Vida Street project is nearly complete, including reconstructed intersections, new storm drainage, ADA-compliant sidewalks and planned street trees; the board asked staff to confirm pole paint warranty and who will procure nine banner installations.
Andrea, a project manager with KCI Technologies, updated the board Wednesday on the Ether Vida Street reconstruction, saying phase two — five downtown blocks — is nearly complete and includes full intersection reconstruction, new storm drainage and widened ADA-compliant sidewalks.
The update, presented to the Downtown Improvement Board in Laredo, detailed improvements along block five (Santa Usula toward San Bernardo) including pedestrian pavers, curb-level storm grates and leveled intersections intended to shorten crossing distances and increase walkability. "We have widened the sidewalk, increased the walkability, and they are now all ADA compliant," Andrea said.
Board members asked technical and maintenance questions. A committee member raised concern about durability, asking whether the pole paint carries a manufacturer warranty to prevent fading from sun and heat. Andrea said the poles were factory-painted and offered to confirm warranty and maintenance responsibilities with the manufacturer. "They told us this specific green was painted at the manufacturer," she said; "I can check with our manufacturer on" warranty details.
Andrea also outlined work on block six (San Bernardo to Sanin): tree islands, new electrical boxes at corners to support a later phase, and reconstruction of a parking-lot entrance to eliminate a negative slope that caused water pooling. On block seven, where overhead lines are absent, the team plans alternating shincapin oaks with desert willow trees to provide shade while minimizing damage near parked cars.
The presenter said a landscape architect prepared 95% plans and recommended native, drought-tolerant species — bubba desert willows and palo verdes on one half of the corridor, and shincapin oak where appropriate — and asked whether the board approved proceeding with tree procurement. The board treated the update as informational and did not take a formal vote on the tree selections at the meeting.
Andrea noted the pole specification includes banner arms and that nine banner arms were included in the scope. She asked the board to coordinate who will order and install the banners — the TUR board or District 8 — so banner installations can be completed before construction is turned over. The board agreed staff would coordinate banner procurement and return with details.
Nidia Robles, executive director of Laredo Main Street, later used the reopened public-comment period to praise the improvements and offer Main Street's assistance with promotions and banner partnerships. "We are very excited about all the improvements in the downtown area," Robles said, and offered to help identify funding or do outreach for banner programs.
The board also noted an IT street monument sign had been installed by another crew and that a final piece remains pending. Staff circulated engineering materials to board members in advance; engineering review was requested for invoice approval later in the meeting.
What’s next: staff will confirm manufacturer warranty/maintenance responsibilities for the poles, coordinate banner procurement and confirm final planting/ordering steps once the board signs off on the 95% plans.
