Charrettes Planned to Discuss Selma to Montgomery Trail Revitalization

Completion Date is 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights March

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By CBS-8 Reporter

Story Created: Jan 31, 2012 at 5:51 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 31, 2012 at 7:57 PM CDT

A portion of the historic Selma to Montgomery Trail is getting a major facelift.

The City of Montgomery is undertaking what will be a multi-million dollar, three year process, just in time for a milestone anniversary.

The project is in its infancy. Planning and design discussions began Monday.

The public can provide input during a three day charrette this week. 

When it's done, a historic part of our state's and country's history will be revitalized.  

Gwen Patton now walks down the street where she once marched.

"This community practically looks the same as it did in 1965."

She was one of the brave marchers seeking a revolution. Now she's looking for another change -- bring the historic Selma to Montgomery Trail back to life.

"It was a thriving business corridor, and in fact, on this side of town it was considered a jewel," she said.

The City of Montgomery has a $100,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a national program called "Greening America's Capitols" to get the ball rolling.

"We were one of five US capitols selected for the second round of funding in the generation of this program," said Director of Planning, Robert Smith.

Smith said the city will apply for state and federal grants to pay for the rest.

The project on the trail starts at the intersection of Oak Street and West Fairview Avenue and ends at Day and Mobile Streets.

The vision is to beautify the trail with streetscaping and revitalize rundown buildings and home.

The goal completion date is 2015 in time for the 50th anniversary of the march.

Public Outreach Coordinator with the Alabama Historical Commission Dorothy Walker is working closely with the project.

"The world will be coming to this part of our state in three years. And what they're going to want to see is the authentic places that represent this history."

History that's significant to us as Alabamians and Americans. 

Charrette Information:

Wednesday, Feb. 1 - 10am-6pm "Design Studio" at 25 Washington Avenue (3rd and 4th Floor)

Thursday, Feb. 2 - 9am-10am "Action Plan and Implementation Strategies" at 1 Dexter Plaza, City Council Chambers

Thursday, Feb. 2 - 11am-1pm "Open House" at 1 Dexter Plaza, City Council Chambers

2DStudio has been hired as the city's consultant throughout the project. At the culmination of the three days of charrettes. 2DStudio will present a framework of the project.

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