By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

 

With sidewalks that have become a trip hazard along Main Street downtown, Saluda commissioners are considering coming up with a new streetscape plan.

The Saluda Board of Commissioners met in November and approved directing City Manager Jon Cannon to receive cost estimates for several new aspects downtown, including replacing sidewalks, running empty conduit underground for future wires, street lights, trees, new trashcans and tables for Main Street.

Commissioners met last night, Monday, Jan. 11, but are not scheduled to hear back from Cannon on the streetscape estimates until at least February.

During the November meeting, Cannon said the sidewalk in front of Thompson’s store is in need of repair. He said the entire patch of sidewalk has settled and created a trip hazard and is unsightly. Cannon recommended removing the sidewalk and curb, but suggested while the sidewalk is up for the city to install a couple of empty conduits for future wire and water lines, etc.

Cannon also suggested a street lamp in the area as well as installing a metal tree grate and setting a tree replacement schedule for the next 15-20 years.

Cannon showed commissioners examples of street lights, designed to put more light on the sidewalks. He said comments he hears are that Main Street is very dark at night.

He also showed pictures of sample tree gates, such as one with a maple leaf design.

Cannon also said people often say tables on Main Street would be nice.

“People could sit outside, have ice cream and use the city’s WiFi,” Cannon said.

He suggested the tables be bolted to the sidewalks.

Other recommendations are for new metal trashcans. Cannon said one of the problems currently is that people place their household trash in the cans. New cans are recommended to have smaller holes to help deter people placing trash bags into the city’s cans.

“Maybe it’s time with this (sidewalk) repair that we re-establish a streetscape,” Cannon said.

Cannon also said a streetscape improvement project is not budgeted and he is not proposing expending any money at this point.

Saluda Mayor Fred Baisden suggested soliciting businesses to help contribute to the project.

Commissioner Mark Oxtoby said he doesn’t have a problem with the city moving forward with getting cost estimates on a streetscape plan, but stressed that at this time water and sewer projects are more important.