Stakeholders of the downtown revitalization efforts in Leland got a first look at the project proposal on Tuesday.
The Mississippi State University Extension contracted Portland, Oregon-based ALTA Planning + Design to assist with the revitalization effort as part of an initiative led by AIM for CHangE — Advancing, Inspiring, Motivating for Community Health through Extension — which works to create community coalitions to solve health issues alongside local champions.
Representatives of both organizations made the presentation that began with short-term, but immediate projects.
The first project proposed was a conversion of the existing railroad bed adjacent to Main Street into a railway park.
The proposal would include removing the rail and creating a trail made of gravel. The project would also eliminate all parking in that area.
The estimated cost of the project was $55,000.
Other short-term projects included changes to road crossings and addressing the accessibility of sidewalks. The current sidewalks have steps that reduce access.
The long-term infrastructure proposals focused on creating a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly downtown.
Those projects include:
• Repair and maintenance of aging sidewalks and construction of new sidewalks;
• Creating a network of trails and paved paths connecting key locations in the town;
• Creating a recreational trail along the banks of Deer Creek;
• Upgrading key intersections and pedestrian crossings to include activated signals, accessible paths of travel, curb ramps and high-visibility crossings; and
• Creating key focal points to get people active and create economic opportunities for the community by providing amenities through recreation improvement.
After making the proposals, the team also discussed five federal grant programs which would be available for application to fund the work.
The team also asked for comments to be sent to aim@msstate.edu by Jan. 12.
