Public to have say on downtown island

Main St. through downtown Georgetown is to be reconstructed, likely next spring, and Town officials want to hear from the public on whether residents prefer a streetscape with or without a middle island. Approximately 60 residents turned out for a recent open house at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre on the $1.2 million project (between Church and George Sts.) where they were presented with two options for the street. One option calls for the retention of the existing cross section of the street with the island in the middle, and the second one includes wider sidewalks but no middle island. The Town's consultant prefers the second option. Chris Mills, Manager of Development Engineering for the Town, said at the open house there was "no clear indication" of more support for one option over the other. "(Support for) both options was represented," said Mills. "A lot felt the island added character and distinguished downtown Georgetown from other downtowns." In both options, Chris Mills, Manager of Development Engineering for the Town, explained there would be no difference in lane width, and a parking lane will be maintained on both sides of the road. In the option where the eight-foot wide island is eliminated, approximately four feet would be added to both sidewalks making them more pedestrian-friendly and allowing the Town to move "a lot of clutter," such as trees and garbage receptacles, said Mills. Many of the trees in the sidewalk area are not in great shape, added Mills. "Any trees that are taken down as part of the reconstruction will be compensated for in the new plan," said Mills. "If there's a way to save the trees I'll save them." Light standards, currently in the centre median, would also be moved out to the sidewalks if the Town builds the road without the island. The project, expected to be completed by early summer, will also include the replacement of storm sewers, catch basins, watermains and sanitary sewers, and the installation of new pavement. Mills would like to hear from people on which option they prefer by e-mailing him at chrism@haltonhills.ca or calling him at 905-8732601 ext. 2301 by this Friday. Town council will make the final decision on which option to adopt after receiving a recommendation from staff (tentatively set for May 29).