Lancaster – Officials from the City of Lancaster, and regional and state officials will unveil the new “Southern Gateway” project tomorrow which aims to improve accessibility and mobility in downtown Lancaster, as well as to introduce reverse angle parking to residents to improve safety.
The downtown “Southern Gateway” project encompasses resurfacing to add a bike lane, accommodate safer parking, and repair sidewalks for ADA compliance. Additionally, the project brings a new type of parking configuration to the corridor − reverse angle parking − and active transportation infrastructure. Sidewalk improvements and changes to curb-cuts will improve access for those with disabilities, a welcome addition as the headquarters of the Southeast Ohio Center for Independent Living is in the area.
Through an innovative funding process, the City was able to tap funds from the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funds through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Community Block Development Grants (CBDG) through Housing and Urban Development, in addition to local funds, to create the improvements.
