$2.3 Million in planned streetscaping to increase connectivity in Downtown Spartanburg

So far on in our series exploring the economic power of Downtown Spartanburg, we've talked about the economic importance of the area around Morgan Square, and spent some time discussing the large investments that have transformed one section of our city's downtown. But what about the walk between those sections of Downtown? Isn't there something the City can do to make that experience simpler and more pleasant? What about the family enjoying a walk down the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail only to get to the corner of Henry and Union streets and find the trail ending, and a daunting crossing and an unpleasant walk standing between them and all that Downtown Spartanburg has to offer? How might improving the walkability along Church Street encourage visitors to the Marriott to take a stroll down to Morgan Square. As it happens, we think about those questions all the time, and rather than just pondering the possibilities, last year City Council voted to do something about it. That plan promises to touch nearly every part of Downtown Spartanburg. Projects include: extending the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail into Downtown and through to Barnet Park (building South Carolina's first curb-protected bike lane in the process), straightening the chicanes along E. Main Street, and improvements to the sidewalks on Magnolia Street between St. John and W. Main streets and Church Street from the Marriott into the heart of Downtown. Make no mistake, this isn't just a beautification project. These infrastructure improvements are meant encourage development and growth by connecting people with the businesses and amenities that make Downtown Spartanburg great. In other words, it's all about increasing the economic power of Downtown Spartanburg, and today on the podcast, we sit down with Partners for Active Living Trails Coordinator, Ned Barrett to talk about some of the ways these projects are going to improve both the quality of life for our residents and the bottom line for our businesses.