Mayor Don Wesely, other officials and residents of the Everett neighborhood today celebrated about $212,000 in improvements at the intersection of 11th and "G" streets with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The improvements in the neighborhood's commercial area include a wider sidewalk on 11th Street, redesigned corners, 17 ornamental lights, planter boxes made from historic curb stones, park benches, trash containers and bike loops.
"The area was a safety concern for pedestrians and motorists with its lack of lighting, narrow sidewalks, and long crosswalks," said Mayor Wesely. "It has now become a safe and beautiful area thanks to the efforts of the city, the federal government, the business community and neighborhood residents. Everyone involved in this partnership can take great pride in what has been accomplished.
The city's Urban Development Department identified the Everett Neighborhood as a focus area for revitalization and has been working since 1997 to develop and implement streetscape and housing improvements. The intersection project was funded with $188,587 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $23,468 in sewer bond funds.
Eight new neighborhood signs have also been installed. Several identify the intersection as "Klein's Corner," referring to the Klein family, who has owned a grocery business there since 1928. Present at the ribbon cutting were Ed Klein, Mildred Klein Heaton and Wes Klein.
Other attending the celebration were Pat McCauley and Teri Robertson of the Housing and Urban Development office in Omaha; officials with the city Urban Development Department; Gary Gilmour of Plaza Mart Pharmacy; and representatives of the Everett Neighborhood Association.
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