GALENA, KANSAS -
The official start of a downtown revitalization project kicks off in Galena, Kansas.
It's a two phase project expect to cost a little more than $600,000.
Today, work began on the first phase. At the ground breaking crews began tearing apart old sidewalks that line downtown, marking the beginning of a project more than a year in the making.
While construction may be a bit of burden for residents and businesses, many say they look forward to what's expected to become a booming downtown.
"It's needed to be done for 22 years - it's something we've always worked for and now it's happening," says resident Larry Courtney, who also owns four Main Street businesses. "I want to improve my building and make it look a lot better, but I was kind of waiting on this."
The first phase of the project begins at 6th and Main Street. Crews will then work their way to 4th Street, and then head back up on the other side of the road to 8th Street."
Along with new sidewalks, streets will be re paved and new downtown light posts will be put in. After two condemned buildings at the 7th and 26 intersection are leveled, the road will be widened.
"It's very important for Galena," says Galena Police Chief Larry Delmont. "It's starting to be recognized with everything. We've got an orthopedic clinic, a hospital building built and a couple of doctor's offices. It's growing and it's time for a change of the city streets."
But with the good comes a little bit of bad - a slight inconvenience while parking and walking space is uprooted for the time being.
Galena resident Stephanie England lives and works on Main Street.
"It will definitely put a damper on business, I think, because this is how 100% of our customers get in and out of the deli," England says. "So it's going to be a mess and it's going to be difficult to get in and out, but it's going to be worth it in the end."
"If you want progress, you have to have a little inconvenience," says Courtney.
As Courtney says, a little mess is a small price to pay to bring more life back into the city.
Galena city officials say construction crews will be working with business owners to make paths so customers can easily get in and out of the buildings.
The first phase of the project is expected to be complete sometime in June.
