Six years ago when the city designated Wells Avenue as part of its redevelopment district residents decided to do something to preserve the character of the neighborhood and ethnic diversity before the city came in and did the job for them.
So far their efforts have paid off in spades and last month the city approved another grant to keep the momentum going.
The $62,950 contract awarded to Clarion Associates, a nationally recognized design-consulting firm, will pay for the creation of a future plan for the street complete with design standards. The consultants will work directly with the residents to prepare it. The money came from the city's planning and engineering fund revenue generated through building and planning fees.
"We're thrilled. We don't want all new stuff that looks the same as anywhere. We want to keep our image," said Tom Stewart, president of the Wells Avenue Merchants and Property Owners Association, and owner of Truckee Meadow Herbs at 1170 Wells Ave.
The driving force behind the redevelopment of the neighborhood is its property owners, Steward said, and they have a stake in how the area will look in the future "We're trying to preserve the historical nature of the street and buildings and its ethic character ... keep the individuality that each business has," said the long-time Wells Avenue business owner. "The property owners will determine the future and vision for the street."
Stewart opened his store in 1982 and lived in the neighborhood for 10 years.
Motivated by the neighbors' enthusiasm and eagerness to be part of the process, the City Council and redevelopment department worked closely with the residents since early 2000. The initial phase to upgrade Wells Avenue brought upgraded utilities, a redesigned street to a three-lane configuration, and landscaping.
Representatives of the Wells Street group even traveled to Washington to talk with U.S. Sen. Harry Reid to enlist his help. Not long afterward federal money paid for streetlights that were added to the roadway which encompasses Roberts Street to the north ending at the roundabout leading to Virginia Street to the south. Each end is now marked by art commissioned during its beautification phase.
That phase ended in July with the placement of benches and bike racks along the street, banners on the new light poles and art sculptures at each end.
"I think the project has been a super success," said Mayor Bob Cashell. "It's helped the whole street and we are very proud of it."
Even so the work is not finished.
The goal is to "create a unique street area" said Councilwoman Jessica Sferrazza, who represents the district. "You have everything on Wells Avenue but there also are some blighted areas that need some attention. There's still a lot of work to do but we're half way there."
