CENTRAL POINT, Ore.-Front Street, or Highway 99, will to undergo changes that will forever alter local business and a nearby neighborhood.
The Front Street Streetscape Project is an attempt to make Hwy. 99 more user-friendly. "It's a bicycle-pedestrian project to enhance multi-mobile traffic from Crater High School down to the core of town down to Pine Street," said Director of Parks and Public Works, Matt Samitore.
Sidewalks and bike lanes along both sides, a new pedestrian crossing near the Rogue Creamery, trees and new medians are among the planned changes.
Partial funding came from the Oregon Department of Transportation Bicycle Pedestrian Grant Program "which pays for roughly $900,000 of the $1.2 million project. The other $300,000 is being used from city gas tax money and street utility fee money," said Samitore.
Also along Front St., new homes are going up again after a break as a result of the economy. "You know the last few years we've kind of slowly ramped it back up a little bit," said President of W.L. Moore Construction, Bret Moore.
Moore said, "there will be mixed-use buildings which will have commercial, professional and, you know, neighborhood-type commercial uses, in addition to housing" in the Twin Creeks neighborhood.
The developer said he is waiting to get enough people in his homes, to start work on an entrance near Crater High School into Twin Creeks, over the tracks off Hwy. 99.
"This project definitely ties into future plans for rail crossing 'cause the rail crossing would bring sidewalks down to the north entrance of Crater and this starts on the south side," said Samitore. He added, "Again, anyone living in the Twin Creeks area will be able to walk or bike from Twin Creeks into down town very safely and efficiently."
The Rogue Creamery plans to take part in the city's growth by changing up its look to be less industrial and putting up a plaza for pedestrians, bicyclists and their furry friends. "As the artisan corridor, we want to create this as a point of destination for the neighborhood, but also for the City of Central Point," said Rogue Creamery Plant Manager Craig Nelson.
Construction is set to begin by the end of April and go through the summer.
Related Stories
- National News
- International News
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Closings & Delays
Check here for closures and delays.
Community Calendar
Looking for something to do? Check the events calendar.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are on everybody's mind. So News10 is working with Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas in the area.
Word of the Day
The Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo is sponsoring our "Word of the Day" contest. Click image to see details!
2013 Last Band Standing
Enter this years Last Band Standing! Click to enter online and find out about the contest.
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes! Read the official rules here!
KTVL Top Stories
Newsmax Headlines
Business News
JPMorgan's Dimon survives shareholder referendum
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Shareholders at JPMorgan Chase will let Jamie Dimon, the chairman and CEO, keep both his jobs.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Zendaya or Kellie Pickler will be winning the mirrorball trophy.
Get This
GW-GYM FLOOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- George Washington University students will soon be walking all over the White House and the Capitol, too.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: iPHONE RECOVERED AFTER THEFT IN OREGON
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A smartphone, plus a not-so-smart criminal -- equals an arrest in Oregon.

