Downtown sidewalks and streets along two blocks of N. Front Street will be torn up beginning in early 2022 as part of a $3.5 million streetscape project. (Port City Daily photo/Johanna F. Still)
WILMINGTON — Businesses spoke, the city listened. The North Front Street streetscape project initially slated to begin in October has been pushed back to the beginning of 2022.
The delayed timing is a response to dozens of concerned downtown businesses and advocacy organizations, including Wilmington Downtown Inc. and the Downtown Business Alliance, which asked the city to refrain from tearing up two blocks during the holiday season.
The $3.5 million streetscape project, financed by the city’s 2014 voter-approved transportation bond, plans for a complete street and sidewalk redesign on N. Front Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets. Cape Fear Public Utility is also partnering with the city on the project to replace ’40s-era utility lines.