Queen Anne Avenue North between Galer and McGraw streets could use some TLC, according to a new neighborhood group calling themselves Picture Perfect Queen Anne.
The 11-member organization complains that trees along the business corridor are in bad shape, as are the sidewalks, said member Daniel Lowery. "So those are really two of our main concerns."
There are others. The urban streetscape in general needs to be better organized and simplified to make it "more enjoyable to be around and look at," he said.
"The beautification project is limited in scope to start with," Lowery added. But there are some preliminary ideas. They include improved lighting and better-organized news boxes, he said. A recent Picture Perfect survey of approximately 100 people offered some more suggestions, according to a press release issued by the organization.
"People wanted benches, hanging flower pots, less litter, safe sidewalks and improved conditions surrounding tree bases," the survey found.
The group also plans to use some expert help. Using a $15,000 "small-and-simple" grant from the Department of Neighborhoods, Picture Perfect has hired Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership to design a Queen Anne Streetscape Plan, Lowery said.
Picture Perfect has also secured an $8,000 grant from the Office of Economic Development to begin implementing the plan once it is developed, Lowery said.
The public's help is also sought for coming up with a plan, he said of three scheduled meetings. They will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 29, Nov. 17 and Jan. 19, 2006, at the Bethany Presbyterian Church, 1818 Queen Anne Ave. N.
"And after the three public meetings, we're going to be doing what the community wants," Lowery said. Call Kathy King at 786-5971 for more information.[[In-content Ad]]
