Walkway over downtown Northville takes another step forward

A two-story walkway that will provide a convenient -- and eye-pleasing -- way in to the heart of downtown Northville is picking up pace.

The project limped along recently when the City Council withdrew funding, but the Northville Downtown Development Authority says the loss will soon be made up and the walkway, which will span East Main Street, will be built.

The walkway is expected to cost about $700,000, much of it paid for by federal grants and other sources. About $100,000 is still needed.

Catherine Woods, special events coordinator for the Northville DDA, says the walkway will make travel into downtown easier.

"This would keep pedestrians from walking around the block," she says. "It would be a cut-through that takes your right near Town Square," where concerts are held, Wi-fi users hang out, and people have lunch.

"It's about making it more accessible for everyone, and it will be especially convenient for the elderly, people with disabilities, women with strollers, everyone." Woods says.

Besides the opening of the walkway, the DDA's 2011-12 initiatives include a street-scape enhancement project, new downtown signage, and electric car parking and charging stations, among other projects.

Source: Catherine Woods, special events coordinator for the Northville Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine
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