Wilmington holds meeting to discuss Third Street enhancements

Wilmington city planners want to know what you think about plans to improve a main road in downtown.

The intent is to enhance the look and benefits to commuters and pedestrians.

City officials say Third Street is one of Wilmington’s main arteries.

Soon parts of the street will be getting some sprucing up.

In 2006, voter’s approved a $14 million bond for roadway improvements throughout the city. Five million of that money will go toward Third Street improvements.

Wilmington city spokesperson Malissa Talbert said, “It was the largest improvement apart of our transportation bond because Third Street is a major corridor. It’s a gateway into our city and we want to reflect that with pedestrian safety improvements and some aesthetic improvements.”

Proposed improvements will start from Martin Luther King Parkway to Market Street. They will consist of installing new sidewalks, enhancing landscaping and upgrading street lighting which will benefit pedestrian safety.

For many of the people who stick to the sidewalk, spending transportation funding to increase public safety will be money well spent.

Resident MaryAnn Toler said, “My biggest concern I guess is the traffic, especially right around here. Cars don’t stop or they turn right and a couple of times I’ve gotten clipped.”

That portion of Third Street is part of a state-designated scenic byway that runs through downtown Wilmington.

If you have questions or concerns about the project, you still have time to make it over to city hall for the meeting. It ends at 7:00 p.m.