The city council discussed the possibilities of a downtown improvement plan for the City of Wellman at its Monday, April 17 meeting.

City Manager Kelly Litwiller reviewed a street-scape proposal from architectural firm Garden & Associates that could include designer streetlights and new, decorative sidewalks. The preliminary plan also includes new water service and a handicap-accessible crosswalk.

Litwiller emphasized that the plan was in its draft stages and would vary according to council and community input. Costs for the project ranged from an estimated $800,000 to $1 million, depending on the inclusion of design elements.

Financing for the improvements would be provided by state and local grants and the availability of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) from the county. TIF is a public financing method that is used as a subsidy for infrastructure and other community-improvement projects. Municipalities can divert future property tax revenue increases toward an economic development project or public improvement project in the community. 

In addition, the project could include funding from a Community Development Block Grant, (CDBG). The project is under consideration for the fiscal year 2024-25.

In other business, the city council set a public hearing on proposed drawings, specifications, budget, forms of contract and letting of bids for renovations to the Wellman-Schofield Library for May 15.