(FAIRMONT) — The city of Fairmont is continuing to gather public input on plans to improve the downtown area. The city held a community open house Thursday, where residents and business owners could review potential improvements and provide feedback. The project covers eight blocks from Main Street to Park Street and from Blue Earth Avenue to Fourth Street. SEH, the engineering firm working with the city, says the goal is to revitalize downtown through infrastructure improvements, better livability, economic development and community pride. Nearly 400 people have completed an online survey, while about 40 comments have been submitted through an interactive project map. SEH is now developing potential concepts involving sidewalks, accessibility, stormwater, open space, vegetation and other streetscape improvements. The city has about 1-point-2 million dollars set aside for the project, with cost estimates expected in the coming weeks. Construction is tentatively planned to begin next summer. The public comment map remains available through the end of next week on the city of Fairmont’s website.
