Williams hosting downtown revitalization events Oct. 22-25

The Williams downtown area has been the topic of discussion — and angst — for decades.

The city is hoping to change that, and is counting on its residents to be a part of the revitalization effort along the Seventh and E streets corridor.

The city will host a series of community events Oct. 22-25 with a goal of developing a plan for the downtown area.

"The project will address walking, bicycling, parking, transit, street beautification, and other strategies to revitalize the downtown area," according to a statement released by the city.

"The community input will help identify a range of ideas and proposed improvements. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate."

The plan also will include the area described as the historic downtown blocks west of Interstate 5.

The effort kicks off with a walking assessment of the area from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 22. It starts at the Granzella's banquet hall on the corner of E and Sixth streets.

"During the walk-about, participants will review conditions in the downtown with the project consultants and discuss where and how improvements might be made," the city stated.

Following the walk, a workshop will be held at the banquet hall.

"Participants will have a chance to become 'community designers' as they craft their own solutions to design issues in the area," the statement reads.

Residents can then drop into the "Design Open Studio" at 460 Eighth St. from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 to see the progress being made by the design team.

The presentation of preliminary designs will be made from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 25, again at the banquet hall.

"The design team will offer a more complete presentation of the concepts for the Williams Downtown Revitalization and Mobility Plan."

The nonprofit, Local Government Commission, is working with the city on the project, which is funded with a $119,000 Caltrans transportation planning grant and local planning funds.

Spanish translation will be available at all events.