With nearly two months of downtown construction behind us, the northeast corner finally is taking final form. By the time I write the next update, traffic will easily be flowing onto the Square from 10th Street and the disruption will move to the west side of the Square (where there is great rear entrance accessibility overall).
It may appear to some that the Streetscape is behind schedule, and there is no chance of completing the task this construction season. Not true. While the project in its entirety did get a late start, E&N Hughes is right on target for the time it anticipated needing for the work to date. The Parrisi concrete crew is ahead of its work schedule. As weather cooperates, there is no reason to fear the Main Street Streetscape will not be completed this year, or that it will go over budget.
E&N already has demonstrated that a little rain isn't bothersome. Concrete work is far more sensitive weather-wise, but Parrisi has been adjusting work crews to compensate for nature's surprises.
This project was started on the northeast corner for many reasons, one being there were known difficulties to encounter - why not get the worst behind us? The rerouting of the city sanitary sewer was one of those difficulties. Nature has graced the under-region of the north side with what Jerry Elleffson fondly refers to as the true Green County gold, limestone. E&N Hughes is pounding through around three feet of solid rock to be able to place the new sanitary pipeline at the correct level. This is a slow and tedious process, but it's the right time to correct what has been a migraine headache for the city to deal with on its own.
For business and Main Street, life goes on. The Jimmy's enjoyed a tremendous reception for their Concert on the Square July 24, performed on the south side of the Courthouse. Coming up is the Ken Killian's Saxtet-Plus performance Thursday, which will also be on the south side. Market on the Square has been moved just south to the Monroe Middle School lot on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings for August to allow for safer traffic on the Square and more parking for downtown business action. For those looking for a good deal this summer, Maxwell Street Days are Friday and Saturday with sidewalks available for all businesses participating. Fun for all ages is offered at "Summer Fair on the Square" Saturday. There will be games, activities, food, performances and fun starting at 11 a.m. through the celebrity pie eating contest at 4 p.m. Fedora will then take the stage, followed by Cold Ground/Low Sky with the Green County Beef and Pork Producers providing food and the GCHS providing adult beverages until 8 p.m. It's a time of change for the downtown. Sometimes it's dusty and a bit inconvenient, but please come, watch us build, and enjoy all that is here in the heart of Monroe.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
It may appear to some that the Streetscape is behind schedule, and there is no chance of completing the task this construction season. Not true. While the project in its entirety did get a late start, E&N Hughes is right on target for the time it anticipated needing for the work to date. The Parrisi concrete crew is ahead of its work schedule. As weather cooperates, there is no reason to fear the Main Street Streetscape will not be completed this year, or that it will go over budget.
E&N already has demonstrated that a little rain isn't bothersome. Concrete work is far more sensitive weather-wise, but Parrisi has been adjusting work crews to compensate for nature's surprises.
This project was started on the northeast corner for many reasons, one being there were known difficulties to encounter - why not get the worst behind us? The rerouting of the city sanitary sewer was one of those difficulties. Nature has graced the under-region of the north side with what Jerry Elleffson fondly refers to as the true Green County gold, limestone. E&N Hughes is pounding through around three feet of solid rock to be able to place the new sanitary pipeline at the correct level. This is a slow and tedious process, but it's the right time to correct what has been a migraine headache for the city to deal with on its own.
For business and Main Street, life goes on. The Jimmy's enjoyed a tremendous reception for their Concert on the Square July 24, performed on the south side of the Courthouse. Coming up is the Ken Killian's Saxtet-Plus performance Thursday, which will also be on the south side. Market on the Square has been moved just south to the Monroe Middle School lot on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings for August to allow for safer traffic on the Square and more parking for downtown business action. For those looking for a good deal this summer, Maxwell Street Days are Friday and Saturday with sidewalks available for all businesses participating. Fun for all ages is offered at "Summer Fair on the Square" Saturday. There will be games, activities, food, performances and fun starting at 11 a.m. through the celebrity pie eating contest at 4 p.m. Fedora will then take the stage, followed by Cold Ground/Low Sky with the Green County Beef and Pork Producers providing food and the GCHS providing adult beverages until 8 p.m. It's a time of change for the downtown. Sometimes it's dusty and a bit inconvenient, but please come, watch us build, and enjoy all that is here in the heart of Monroe.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
