Downtown project to hit high gear

If you’ve driven in downtown Vandalia recently, you know that the enhancement project there is clearly under way.

For now, the work is confined primarily to upgrading the city’s storm sewer system on Fifth and Sixth streets. Though not as visible as later portions of the project will be, fixing the storm sewers is vitally important in making the downtown area attractive for current and future businesses. We must fix that system if we’re to end the basement flooding and other problems that have plagued the antiquated existing sewer system.

When this behind-the-scenes work is done, it then will be time to move on to the portions of the project with more appeal – the streetscape work that will significantly improve the appearance of our downtown.

To celebrate the kickoff of that phase, a ground-breaking ceremony is planned for next Monday at 10:30 a.m. on Gallatin Street. U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) will be on hand for the event, since he was instrumental in securing federal funds for part of the project.

Come out and celebrate the beginning of the Gallatin Street portion of the project. Then make an effort to patronize downtown businesses as they weather the disruptions and inconveniences that inevitably will come when the Gallatin Street work begins.

If you really want to get the scoop on what’s going on with the project, plan to attend this month’s "Mornings on Main Street" meeting Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Something Special Florist. It’s a great way to stay up to date on the progress of the downtown work.

And, in a related event, this Saturday is Vandalia Main Street’s "Paint the Town" day. Main Street volunteers will be wielding paint brushes to improve the appearance of three downtown buildings. If the weather is right and you’re in the mood to paint, call the Main Street office at 283-8751.

We all have a stake in the successful outcome of the downtown project. The more people involved, the better.

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