Officials, residents praise results

Delaware State News

SMYRNA — With the completion of the Smyrna Streetscape Improvements Project comes the end of sleepless nights for many of the town’s Main Street families.

"We just dealt with it," said resident Melissa Reed, who said noises could be heard throughout the evening as work crews attempted to complete the project without invading upon business hours of local establishments.

But, she added, her children enjoyed watching the improvements unfold.

"It was fun," said her daughter Jessica, 7. "I didn’t have any sleepless nights."

After seven-and-a-half months of night-time work the project was completed, and on Monday the Delaware Department of Transportation and the historic community of Smyrna joined together to unveil the town’s enhanced Main Street. The street is now free of the dangling wires that had dotted the landscape and complete with improved underground utilities, a new blacktop road, brick sidewalk, more streetlights and granite curbs.

At Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, many involved in getting the project off the ground spoke about its importance and their excitement at seeing the long-anticipated project finally complete.

"DelDOT has enjoyed working with the Town of Smyrna businesses and residents. These improvements will result in increased pedestrian safety and provide an attractive look to the downtown area," said DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks.

The improved street will help present businesses expand, said Smyrna Mayor Patricia M. Stombaugh. "It is important we take care of what we already have; therefore, upgrading the utilities and improving the appearance of our town is a major part of re-investing back in our community," she said.

"They just did a fantastic job," said Rep. William J. Carson, D-Smyrna.

And it was not just politicians who were gushing over the town’s new digs — local business owners also appeared to be very pleased.

"I would tell customers, ‘Look how beautiful it’s going to be when it’s finished.’ And it is," said Ellen Sayers, of Sayers Jewelers.

The family-run Main Street business is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month, in addition to celebrating the enhanced streetscape, said June Sayer.

"It is a huge improvement in the appearance of downtown. We needed new sewer and water for years. This benefits the entire town," said Ron Sayer.

In mid-January, work done by the firm KCI Technologies began on the street upgrade work, which included replacing sewer pipes and moving telephone wires underground. Sam’s Construction Company, a Wilmington-based firm, began work on the streetscape enhancements in May.

"This was not just a streetscape project, but a full utilities project," said Smyrna Town Manager Dave Hugg. "And for about eight months, the world was pretty much torn up here."

Both phases of the project cost about $1 million, with money coming from DelDOT’s Transportation Enhancement Program, the congressional delegation and the Town of Smyrna.

"People who lived here may have gone through some sleepless nights and I know they’re glad we’re finished, but it was worth it," said Mayor Stombaugh.