The city of Phoenix may renovate parts of Third Street next summer with the aim of improving the pedestrian experience.
A city representative discussed plans to renovate the Third Street corridor, including a decrease in the number of lanes on the street and improved lighting and parking, at an Evans Churchill community meeting Wednesday night.
“The corridor will be renewed with an improved bike infrastructure; slower, safer streets; additional traffic signage; upgraded street lighting; pedestrian and landscape improvements; upgrades to signage and striping; safer marked crossings; and improved on-street parking,” City Planner Mark Melnychenko said.
The city’s plan also includes reducing the number of lanes in the corridor from five to three. He said all of these changes could be implemented as soon as July 2016.
“This setup is actually a lot safer for drivers. There’s less moving around and less to worry about this way,” Melnychenko said.
Melnychenko added that safe crossings near schools could also be a potential upgrade to the area.
The Third Street corridor currently runs through school, business and historic areas of Phoenix. The funds for this project are being provided from the planning department’s residual grant funds, Melnychenko said. The budget currently stands at around $175,000.
MonOrchid owner Wayne Rainey said this project will help the surrounding community.
“This project says a lot about who we are as a city. … I applaud all the work. I think it’s terrific,” Rainey said.
Other matters discussed at the community meeting included micro-unit apartment style living, the addition of a billboard on Seventh Street and the potential legal unification of a nearby community.
Evans Churchill Community Association meets each month at various local establishments to discuss community matters. A full schedule and more information are available online.
Contact the reporter at kklonows@asu.edu
