Tonight Prune Alley officially opened at 6 PM with lovely speeches, a non-motorized parade of people walking down the street for the first time, KIND bars and homemade cookies, and middle-of-the-street socializing.
Speakers starting off the event included Councilperson Cindy Wolf, Project Manager Colin Huntemer, and Contractor Mike Carlson, and recognition was given to Mona Evans and Grace Grantham for their invaluable input on accessibility. Magnanimous thanks were extended to the crew who made it all happen, and people like Jessie Douglas-Seitz of San Juan County Public Works were beaming in the crowd.
After the unrolling and joyous cutting of a long purple ribbon, the community strolled down the beautiful new street to admire all the thoughtful aspects worked into its design.
About an hour later, the street officially opened to cars. No more avoiding construction and machinery!
What a fantastic job was done, from concept and design to construction. The street boasts pedestrian and accessibility improvements, transportation infrastructure, storm drain infrastructure, water quality improvements, landscaping, lighting, benches, and other streetscape amenities and perks.
What heroic acts of endurance were made by islanders and businesses working around the 5 1/2-month-long project, from mid-March to September 1. Let’s all make sure to support the people and places that were hard hit.
See you on Prune Alley as we discover all the new nooks and crannies together!
Once again… I thank you for keeping me up to date on island happenings !