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Council authorizes bids for DeSiard Street Phase II as downtown residents and businesses urge support
Summary
Council approved advertising for bids for DeSiard Street Improvement Phase II (engineer estimate $4,539,767.28, 15% DBE goal), with multiple downtown residents and business owners testifying in favor of improved sidewalks, lighting and economic development.
The Monroe City Council unanimously approved a request from the Purchasing Division to advertise for bids for Phase II of the DeSiard Street Improvement project (S. Grand St. to N. 6th St.), with an engineer’s estimate of $4,539,767.28 and a 15% DBE goal funded by the Downtown Economic Development District.
Several downtown residents and business owners addressed the Council in support. Ben Marshall, a Riverscape Condominium resident, said he and his neighbors back the measure. Cory Barr, a downtown business owner, described ongoing private investment projects projected to create 40–50 jobs and generate substantial tax revenue and urged safety and infrastructure upgrades, saying he has had to escort employees to their cars at night because of poor sidewalks and lighting.
Others — including leaders from the Downtown Economic Development District (DEDD) and representatives from St. Francis Hospital — said completing Phase II (river to 6th Street) is essential to making downtown a regional destination and supporting job growth.
The Council’s motion to advertise bids was approved without dissent. Public commenters requested continued attention to safety features, lighting, and DBE participation as the project moves into procurement and construction phases.
