Temporary Bridges Update #42
Three Days To Go; Reflecting on Our Community
“What could easily have been a catastrophic project has actually turned into an opportunity to bring members of our community, businesses, and town officials closer for the greater good.”
This quote comes from a member of our community who reached out to me by email yesterday. I’m sharing it with you because I believe it reflects an important lesson learned during the temporary bridges construction project. I’ve had the privilege these past several weeks of spending time with so many members of our community. The majority of the people I talk to everyday, including our downtown store owners, managers, and employees, are optimistic about the future of our downtown and understand that with challenges come opportunities. That says a lot about Middlebury.
Now back to our project. There were more people parading over the Main Street bridge yesterday. Thank you for spreading the word that it’s much safer to cross Main Street at the crosswalks, as we always have done. I am working with Kubricky and AOT and hope to have improved signage in place by end of the week.
Tuesday Wrap-Up. Kubricky finished installing the deck panels and an electrical conduit on the Merchants Row temporary bridge, completed reconfiguring the drainage structures underneath the roadway, and then backfilled and graded both the upper and lower roadways in preparation for paving on Wednesday. When I left the construction site at 8:30 PM, the Kubricky crew were still hard at work.
What’s on Tap Wednesday. Wednesday’s forecast is looking good so expect to see J. Hutchins, out of Richmond VT, back in town and paving Merchants Row on Wednesday.
Downtown Information Booth Lineup for Wednesday. Staffing the Middlebury Rail & Bridge Project information booth in Cannon Park on Wednesday are Linda Horn (10-12), Sue Hoxie (12-2), and Ed McGuire (2-4). Stop by and say hello to our volunteers, who will be showcasing all the great info on our town available at the booth.
An Inside Look at Curve Appeal. So I think it’s fair to say that no single business downtown has had to bear more disruption within a few feet of their front door than Curve Appeal, which sits at the upper corner of the Battell Block on Merchants Row. I’ve been remiss in not covering this store yet so let’s get to it. Owner Kris Lawson arrived on Main Street in July 2014 in the space below Carolyn’s Closet and then relocated to Merchants Row 18 months ago. Curve Appeal specializes in bras and lingerie . . . and romance advice! Six months ago Sarah Paquette joined Kris to open Midd Salon, offering hair styling and waxing. Go in and take a look around next time you’re on Merchants Row. You’ll love the two photos of Audrey Hepburn that adorn the walls of Curve Appeal.
That’s all for today. See you downtown.
Please keep your comments and questions coming. Send me an email at jgish@townofmiddlebury.org and I’ll try to cover it in my next update.