Smith Alley

It is currently proposed to construct the west side of Smith Alley in conjunction with Brooks Street in 2008. The location of this street section in conjunction with its small project size and overall importance as a functional gateway from the west to Main Street makes this project a likely candidate for construction in coordination with the Main Street Rehabilitation. It is anticipated that both the east and west sides of Smith Alley will be reconstructed with enhancements to provide functional pedestrian corridors from both the east and west portions of Main Street (Click!). Streetscape enhancements proposed for the west side of Smith Street include colored concrete in an alternating pattern throughout the street section (alternating terra cotta patterns); a raised planter section with trees and miscellaneous landscaping on the north side of the street section that includes an automatic irrigation system (depending on plant types, sunlight conditions, snow and ice accumulations and access requirements, vegetative landscaping may not be feasible at this location); and historic functional/decorative lighting. Parking should be preserved or alternate sources provided if gateway enhancements require additional space from existing parking areas. 

It is suggested  the west side of Smith Alley be considered for construction in 2008. This provides adequate time for the analysis of pedestrian use from the east side of Main through the Smith Street corridor to establish if there is a definite need for a similar corridor from the east side. Streetscape enhancements proposed for the west side of Smith Alley include colored concrete (alternating terra cotta patterns) centerpiece designs throughout the street section; a raised planter along selected portions of the street section with an automatic irrigation system; and historic functional/decorative lighting. Another idea is that the east section of Smith Street remain open for parking and/or maintenance routes.