Hiram’s Mayor and council held a ribbon-cutting last week to announce the completion of its Main Street Improvement project, in the works since last year. The project installed new water lines, new sewer lines, new sidewalks, new curb & gutter, new street lights, and new paving.
With over $3,000,000 invested, Hiram’s central core of the business and residential district is poised to support the execution of a Master Plan for the development and re- development of its downtown area.
The Main Street Improvement Project affected Main Street from Hwy 92 on the southwest end to Arnold Lane on the northeast end. The project also affected sections of South 40 east and west.Mayor Teresa Philyaw stated, “The Mayor and Council, along with all employees, really appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all those residents and businesses so impacted by this project. But, I think everyone will agree, now that the project is completed, we have a beautiful downtown poised for whatever the future brings. We are brightly lighted, walker friendly, business friendly, and overall a great place to live and work.”
In 2015, the City of Hiram funded a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) which depicted a future vision of the downtown area by utilizing the Comprehensive Plan for Paulding County, a parking study, Atlanta Regional Commission data, and current and proposed zoning maps. The Main Street Improvement Project just completed is essentially a preliminary phase to completing that vision for the future.
The Main Street Improvement Project was a very complex project with significant impact to existing roads and infrastructure, but according to City Manager Barry Atkison, everyone went the extra mile to talk to residents and business owners throughout the project.
“Everyone tried very hard to answer questions, listen to complaints, and make corrective actions and accommodations where possible. While we admit that not everyone was satisfied, I am proud of the way our Mayor and Council, staff, contractors and engineers were responsive to everyone,” said Atkison. Ms. Philyaw added that access and walkability are key concerns to help spur economic growth in the future. “...We are fortunate to have a beautiful trail head for the Silver Comet. So, it was our desire to connect from that point to our downtown.... We recognize life styles are evolving where individuals and families are putting great emphasis on healthier living, and walkability is a major part of that. It’s common practice now for cities to provide a way for their citizens to do that. Although we have enjoyed significant revitalization in our historic downtown, we hope the private and public investment will act as a catalyst to even more in the near future,” Philyaw said.