As the Sutherland area approaches its 100th birthday the Sutherland Business Improvement District (SBID) is hoping that Saskatoon city council will recognize the need for a facelift on Central Avenue and approve funding for the proposed project in its 2010 capital budget.
According to a story in today’s Star Phoenix, the SBID presented a report to council last night and proposed three improvements for the main thoroughfare that separates Sutherland from neighbouring Forest Grove. SBID is recommending a “sound and dust attenuation wall” adjacent to the CP rail line, the design and construction of a “public plaza,” and an active pedestrian crossing at the 110th Street intersection.
Ward 1 councillor Darren Hill stands with the business group hoping to help make Central Avenue “more pedestrian friendly.”
Several business closings in recent years have led to a perception of a deteriorating Central Avenue. SBID and councilor Hill believe that the proposed improvements will revitalize the area.
Read the Star Phoenix story here.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is generally what happens when you allow ‘big box’ development in any neighbourhood without really considering what impact this will have on existing businesses. Between the rail crossing and limited parking, it’s not a huge surprise that Central has seen a decline. In addition to the facelift (which has merit, although I haven’t seen the tab, either), if the City of Saskatoon wants to attract merchants they need to look at incentivizing businesses to locate there. Reductions in business property taxes would be a good first step.
Good points Jason.
No doubt that a nearby big box centre brings new challenges and demands new ways of approaching business for the locals. I’d love to see something Broadwayish come to life on Central. Not just like Broadway, but as Hill suggests, having some unique character. You’ve got a lot of high income earners living within minutes of Central. I think it could be an attractive opportunity.
The second place I lived in Saskatoon was on Berini drive. Somewhat nearby (although what isn’t?).
Central didn’t have a very welcoming vibe to it. I think most people just go down there for wing nuts, no?
The area feels more industrial-ish and I’m curious about what is actually in place to make it grow as desired. The box malls will kill most everything that tries to spring back…
Alex, agreed. Maybe the inclusion of a retaining wall in the proposal was intended to ‘de-industrialize’ it somewhat. A pedestrian crosswalk is certainly needed with the amount of daily rail traffic. But you’re absolutely right: it’s going to be very hard to compete with any big box development, and I have no idea what’s planned for commercial development in Willowgrove.