Burns talks to Lions about Main Street and downtown happenings

Fallon Burns, Main Street manager talks to Lions about upcoming events in Kilgore. Things are happening in downtown Kilgore and Fallon Burns, Main Street manager was at the Lions Club on Thursday to give an update.

One of the most frequently asked questions is about when the downtown infrastructure design, sidewalks and such will begin being updated.

Burns said the sidewalk project is scheduled to start on Jan. 5 and will take approximately one year to complete at a cost of about $2 million.

The new sidewalks will make downtown much more accessible for everyone, said Burns, and will include handicap access from block to block, new lighting and landscaping. "We are looking at putting three trees in every block, without losing any parking in the downtown area," said Burns. "The parking spots will be bigger then they are now."

The Farmers Market has been a great success said Burns. "The market is open every Saturday morning, from 8 a.m. to noon," said Burns. "There is always lots of fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts."

On Nov. 29, Burns said, she expects another "great downtown loft tour." The first such tour was held here last year and drew more than a thousand people downtown.

"Homes to be on tour this year will be one of Harry Crouse's apartments above the Shops at 205, the Longhorn Drug Building will be in its rough stages with apartments are being built upstairs," said Burns. "Also the downtown home of Bill Woodall and Jessica Matlock will be on the tour."

Burns said the Main Street Program will facilitate revitalization in the downtown area by utilizing design, promotion, origination and economic development.

Facade grants have been a big part of the downtown facelift and numerous businesses and homes have taken advantage of the matching grant offer from the City of Kilgore said Burns. "New funds for this grant will not be available until the first of October, so anyone wishing to apply for a grant can do so at that time," said Burns. "These grants are in amounts up to $10,000 total."

Important upcoming dates include the Main Street Advisory Board which meets the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, the Main Street Design Committee meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and the Main Street Economic Restructuring committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in City Hall.