The project to beautify and install sidewalks along the roads that connect the Clinton Birthplace Home on 117 South Hervey Street to the Hope Downtown via East Second Street is near to completion.
Currently, contractors are working to complete final touches from what is called a punch list, a document developed by an inspector or, in the case of Hope’s streetscape project, a team including contractors, engineers, city staff, who walked through the project and listed items still needing work. Wilson said two weeks ago the list would take weeks to complete.
But right now, the project is already impressing drivers and walkers through the area, especially at night when its parallel lines of globe lights are on. The project will increase pedestrian safety, but it will also tempt more visitors to the Clinton home to tour Hope’s downtown, adding to the number of customers who patronize the shops and restaurants there.
Indeed, helping businesses was a factor in the planning for the project, Wilson confirmed: “It began as an idea to bridge the Historic Presidential Birthplace with our Historic Downtown. After speaking with the National Park Service, we realized that we were missing a tourism opportunity to attract visitors of the William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace with our local merchants.”
The streetscape project is a part of an effort to work on the look of the downtown area that began years ago, Wilson said. “Over time the City and its partners were able to acquire additional property in the area and begin several efforts to revitalize and beautify the area. Projects included removing unoccupiable structures, adding additional green and parking space, building a lighted walkway from the Birthplace to the Downtown Hub and adding new unlit sidewalk from Second Street to Division.”
Wilson listed some parties whose help has been essential as the project began and continued. These include retired Army Colonel Jay Kopecky and Atwoods Incorporated. Both allowed the city of Hope to purchase land in their possession in the area. Hope’s Mayor Don Still was involved in “many hours of negotiations.” In addition, Wilson thanks those who served on the city’s Board of Directors and previous City Manager Catherine Cooke, who “worked tirelessly to bring all the board’s desires to fruition.”
As well, Wilson thanks Hope, Water and Light Commission (“for monetary and labor support”, the Hope Advertisement and Tourist Promotion Commission and its leadership (“for funding and support”) and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (“for the T[ransportation] A[lternatives] P[rogram] grant program”) and many others who played a role in the planning and construction.
Funding of the project came from several entities. The TAP Grant provided $460,000. The city of Hope itself, approximately $417,392. The Hope Advertisement and Tourism Promotion Commission, $175,000. Hope Water and Light provided $60,000.