|
|
|||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Roads program beautifying finished projects By Christopher Schwarzen The city-county roads program broke ground Friday for the first of seven beautification projects. Making good on promise made last year, the Macon-Bibb County Road Improvement Program will revisit seven road projects, planting trees and shrubs where greenery once stood. Contractors will begin this Monday with Forest Avenue, where crepe myrtles, Yoshino cherry trees, Southern magnolias and an assortment of other shrubs and bushes will be planted. The idea is to replace what was lost to road widening and sidewalk construction, as well as hide some of the retaining walls that contractors built in yards. Following Forest, contractors will do the same on Douglas Avenue, Edna Place, Newberg Avenue, Rocky Creek Road, Anthony Road and Northside Drive. "They have to have the stuff planted by March 1st," said Sheri Williamson, assistant program manager. "The project actually ends in June 2002. (The contractor) will maintain the plants and trees through this period." Total cost of returning the seven roads to their previous green state will be about $115,000, Williamson said. After 2002, city crews will take care of the trees and plants in roads right of way. "We're replacing a lot of what we took out," Bibb County Commission chairman Larry Justice said. Justice also chairs the roads program's executive committee. "As with any construction, there is always a time that's not so pretty," he said. "Now the road program is pleased to see beautification and safety (come from the projects)." Laura Winn, who lives at the corner of Forest and Walnut avenues, said Friday she is pleased the roads program is returning. Leyland cypress trees will be planted to the left of her yard where - before the project began - a house stood. "(The roads program has) been very cooperative with us," she said. "We didn't have to fight at all for this." Roads program officials first considered revisiting finished road projects last year, following telephone surveys. Loss of trees and shrubs to wider roads was a major complaint.
"Now, if this works out, and the money holds out, we'll see about other projects as they're finished," Williamson said.
To contact Christopher Schwarzen, call 744-4213 or e-mail cschwarzen@macontel.com.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
||
