CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The City of Charlottetown is planning to completely redesign part of one of its busiest side streets for pedestrians and traffic over safety concerns.
The plan is to install a sidewalk and curbing on Pond Street, which connects Queen Street and University Avenue and connects traffic to businesses such as Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, the liquor store, Papa Joe’s and Spring Park Plaza.
It will cost about $285,000 to $300,000 to do it, but that price tag includes and water and sewer work and repaving the street.
“Currently, Pond Street is a city right-of-way but has no clear definition between private land owner driveways into some of the local businesses,’’ said Scott Adams, manager of the city’s public works department.
Right now, there is no sidewalk on either side of Pond Street. If this plan comes to fruition, one will be installed on the north side of the street, the side with the Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s restaurants. That way, the sidewalk will align with the one that comes down Pond Street on the other side of Queen Street from Holy Redeemer Parish Centre.
Curbing will be installed on the other side of Pond Street to separate the two parking lots that border onto the street at Spring Park Plaza and the businesses already mentioned.
Adams said right now there are no defined entrances or exits from businesses on the street, creating a safety hazard for pedestrians and motorists.
“Especially at lunch hour,’’ Adams said. “That area is very busy. There are a lot of restaurants and fast food businesses there, so a lot of students (from Colonel Gray High School and Queen Charlotte Intermediate School) use Pond Street as a way to get through to University Avenue.
“So, this was brought up as a concern, and we reviewed it and we did see there was a need to better define the road as well as install a sidewalk.’’
Coun. Mitchell Tweel, who represents the area, is thrilled with the news. He lobbied for years to have the city purchase the house at the corner of Pond and Queen streets due to the same concerns being addressed now.
“This street needs to be defined,’’ Tweel said. “People need (proper) entrance and exits. Right now, it’s no man’s land. I think this is a good starting point.’’
Mayor Philip Brown said his one concern is that this street has been ripped up a few times in the past. He wants to make sure if this project goes ahead, it’s all done right the first time.
Adams said everything — underground water and sewer work and district heating work — and above ground work would all be co-ordinated.
“We will be co-ordinating with both those (water and sewer and district heating) utilities and identifying this as a street we are practically rebuilding so we want to co-ordinate our work with them so we’re not in there two or three times.’’
While there is a chance the work could take place this year, it more likely going to happen next spring.
