Council approves conceptual design for Boscawen Street improvements, targets completion before spring festival

Winchester — The City Council on June 23 approved a conceptual design for improvements to the closed section of Boscawen Street, clearing staff to finish design drawings, advertise the project for bids in September and begin construction in January, with substantial completion targeted before the Apple Blossom Wine Festival.

Perry Eisenach (staff presenter) summarized schedule milestones: finish design drawings over the next three months, advertise bids in September, begin construction January 4 and aim for substantial completion in time for next spring’s festival. He turned the presentation to Kelly Henshaw, who walked council through the concept: gateway metal features, brick and gray paver pavement treatments similar to the Loudoun Street Mall, flexible tree wells, pull‑in loading zones and bollards, a continuous planter wall between the parking lot and the S.U. building, narrowed one‑lane exit traffic, raised crosswalks for safety and targeted storm‑drain upgrades to improve flooding capacity.

Business owners and residents raised concerns about planter placement and delivery access. Susan Carney, who identified herself as a downtown business owner, asked how planters and trees would affect loading and outdoor café space; Perry Eisenach and Kelly Henshaw said locations are flexible and staff can shift or remove a planter to accommodate an outdoor café and that trees in the Boscawen section would be small ornamentals so they do not outgrow the space.

Councilors questioned whether landscaping would be installed before the festival; staff said landscaping is part of the project but some elements might be completed after the festival (likely May–June the following year). Council also discussed loading‑zone adjustments, rear access easements for some businesses and traffic mitigation including narrowing the street to a single lane for the exit to reduce left turns.

A motion to approve the conceptual design with the feedback provided passed on roll call. Staff said they will adjust planter locations as requested by affected businesses, proceed with final drawings and return with procurement documents as the schedule moves forward.

No contract awards or construction contracts were approved at the meeting; the vote authorized staff to continue design and proceed toward bidding.