LOGAN — Mayor Holly Daines has long felt strongly about strengthening the city’s downtown area. The city council has been a part of the discussions that started several weeks ago and two public hearings have been held with another meeting scheduled June 19.

Daines told the council Tuesday that she’s been working with the merchants along Center Street over the last several months, seeking ways to improve pedestrian walkability in downtown.  Daines has proposed an Assessment Area to the businesses between 100 West and Main Street, which would create an opportunity for businesses and the city to split the costs of improvement. Logan City staff members put together an estimate which would include replacing the curb and deep gutters, which could affect the entire design of the road.

“The bids for that came in at about $1.4 million for the entire project,” she said. “So we came up with a portion that we thought was reasonable for the owners, about $350,000, and that amount has be divided up by linear feet among the various merchants. Then the city’s portion would be about $1.15 million, which would be the road, curb and gutters and the light at 100 West.”

Daines told the Logan City Council that there has been great response from the business owners so far, with 75% completely on board and many others strongly considering the proposal. She said it is important that the merchants know what is going on with what is planned and in many areas property owners will have to share the cost.