City of Lemon Grove Hosts Demolition Ceremony to Commence Construction of New Main Street Promenade

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep. 21, 2011 - LEMON GROVE, CA — The first phase of construction is beginning this week on the highly-anticipated Main Street Promenade redevelopment project in Lemon Grove. Regional public officials will take part in a demolition ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, September 22 at 12:30 p.m. on the 3500 block of Main Street, just north of Broadway.

The redevelopment project will transform the area next to the Lemon Grove trolley station into the “Main Street Promenade,” a linear park and transit plaza. This walkable, sustainable, park-like space will attract seasonal events such as farmers’ markets, and will offer plenty of places for residents and visitors to relax or play.

“This is a special and long-awaited opportunity to create a park in the City’s downtown core, designed to increase pedestrian activity in the City,” said Mary Sessom, Lemon Grove Mayor.  “I am excited for this historic event to carry out the community’s vision for its Downtown Village.”

“The project optimizes the function of redevelopment,” explained City Manager Graham Mitchell. “The City’s redevelopment agency initiated the project and was able to leverage minimal funds to attract $4,500,000 in grants.  This project will serve as a catalyst for additional privately initiated development in the downtown area.”

The first phase of the project, the demolishing of buildings that date back to the 1940s, will not interfere with commuters making bus or trolley connections.   The second phase, due to begin in January 2012, will construct the linear park and will also include pedestrian-friendly changes to the intersection on Broadway at Main Street.

The current cost estimate of the Lemon Grove Main Street Promenade redevelopment project is valued at $5.1 million. The project is funded by the IIG (Infill Infrastructure Grant) program, as well as a SGIP (Smart Growth Incentive Program) grant awarded by SANDAG. SANDAG smart growth initiative funds are awarded to improvements that support compact, transit-oriented developments that also create interesting places within communities.

"The Mayor,  City Council, City Manager, and all those involved in the redevelopment of Lemon Grove are to be commended for their leadership on the Main Street Promenade project," commented Assemblymember Marty Block, who represents the city in the State Assembly.  "In these challenging fiscal times where we are asked to do more with less, it is uplifting to see new development through the utilization of a state infill infrastructure grant and SANDAG Smart Growth grant funds."

The Promenade design honors Lemon Grove’s rich history, celebrates the present, and looks forward to the future. The design also keeps sustainability issues at the forefront; plans include energy-efficient lighting, electrical generation and water conservation system implementation. The City is committed to lowering its carbon footprint to ensure a healthy living environment for future generations.

This project is the ideal opportunity to construct significant improvements needed to transform the Lemon Grove downtown area into a “must-see” destination. The City welcomes all inquiries from businesses and residents that would like to make Lemon Grove their home.

Completion is scheduled for summer 2012.

For more information on Lemon Grove Redevelopment, please contact Graham Mitchell, City Manager, at 619-825-3800 or visit www.ci.lemon-grove.ca.us.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11668565/1