Here's a message for everyone who has been stuck in traffic on W.
19th Street during the past weeks: Smile.
Our message has nothing to do with battling road rage or otherwise
trying to calm drivers' nerves. It is, rather, a reminder that when
the construction crews that are shutting down lanes finally leave in
eight months or so, W. 19th Street and surrounding areas are going to
look a whole lot better. Traffic will flow better. Utilities will be
out of sight, a subtle but nevertheless dramatic improvement to the
area.
And these changes -- some $6 million worth -- are just the start.
Some critics of this work will argue that the improvements are
merely cosmetic ones, and they're right. But these cosmetic
alterations are the right place to begin deeper, more substantial
enhancements. By bringing a fresh look to the area, the changes will
set a positive tone and fire up enthusiasm for the harder work to
come.
Just what that harder work will entail is still a question mark.
But not for long. Next month, a group of about 30 residents and
business people will unveil their recommendations for improving 50
acres along W. 19th Street.
Along with many interested residents and business people in the
city, we're looking forward to seeing the group's ideas. Early
indications of proposals for mixed-use development, which would allow
for commercial and industrial spaces with residential lofts, promise
a slew of other good ideas.
Still, we also know that patience is needed. Attempts to redevelop
the Westside have taken two steps forward and then one back for
years. The area the city can aggressively target has shrunk
dramatically from more than 400 acres to just 50. But, like the
improvement now taking place along W. 19th Street, these proposals
should prove the start of something better, something that will
energize renovation and pride of community well beyond the boundaries
of city-led redevelopment.
