“It took time to get to this day,” Mayor Marty Small said after City Council awarded the contract that will complete the paving of Atlantic Avenue.
Many would say that’s an understatement, including the mayor, who listed lawsuits and frozen funds as obstacles that had to be overcome to get to this day.
He gave credit to Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-Atlantic, in clearing the way for the already-promised grants to be released.
City Council approved South State Inc. for what has been referred to as Phase 2B, with cost not to exceed $9,684,25.75
The vote turned out unanimous after Small made a personal plea to Second Ward Councilwoman LaToya Dunston, who originally cast the only dissenting vote.
“This is important,” he said. “It’s not taxpayers’ money, and it’s the right thing to do.”
The project includes a comprehensive set of upgrades designed to enhance safety, accessibility and mobility.
Planned improvements include roadway paving from Tennessee to Albany avenues, surveillance cameras and upgraded pedestrian facilities.
There also will be the long-promised synchronization of traffic lights on both Atlantic and Pacific avenues, Small promised.
Safety features such as high-visibility crosswalks, improved lighting, and ADA-compliant ramps will ensure the corridor is safer and more accessible for all users.
“Paving Atlantic Avenue is something taxpayers have wanted and needed—and the Small administration was committed to getting it done,” Small said.
He also thanked “key partners” that included the governor’s former Chief of Staff Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, who helped negotiate the resolution of the casino litigation, and state Department of Transportation Commissioner Fran O’Connor “and his dedicated staff, who made this project a priority.”
The project also will feature streetscape and beautification enhancements to support local economic development and strengthen the community's appeal.
More than 200 decorative street lights, shade trees and improved signage will help transform the corridor into a vibrant, welcoming destination that better connects neighborhoods, businesses and regional attractions.
City Council also approved new zoning standards last week for the Ducktown Arts District, which is expected to catalyze several transformative development projects.
The plan includes a $75 million flagship production studio by Evolution Gaming at the intersection of Fairmount and Georgia avenues, and a five-story boutique hotel proposed for the 2300 block of Arctic Avenue.
Milling also is scheduled to begin this week in preparation for the paving of Baltic Avenue, from Maine to Missouri avenues.
Initial work will focus on the section from Maine to Pennsylvania avenues.
Motorists are advised to anticipate minor traffic delays along Baltic Avenue and its intersecting streets during this time.
