Re-painting the water tower, enhancing the Maxwell Siding railroad display, adding more pedestrian walking paths and putting up directional signage are some of the potential plans the Hermiston City Council threw its support behind during this week’s meeting.
They are all part of an “Enhance Hermiston” plan designed to develop a list of concept-level projects to enhance the aesthetic value of Hermiston.
Hermiston Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan told the council on Monday that the list is not a set of prioritized projects the city is committing to, but rather – aside from re-painting the water tower – projects the council supports should the opportunity and funding become available.
Here’s a brief look at each identified project thus far:
Second Street and 395 Downtown Entryway: This would include re-aligning the intersection of S.E. Second Street and Highway 395 in front of the Hermiston Conference Center by creating a more acute angle for vehicles to turn off of 395. Traffic would be closed off to traffic entering 395 from S.E. Second Street. Landscaping and water features would increase the visual appeal.
Estimated Cost: $250,000-$350,000
Pedestrian Pathways: This project is intended to add recreational opportunities in the community and improve the aesthetic value of various unimproved right of ways in the city.
Estimated Cost: Dependent on various factors.
Railroad Crossing Visual Buffer: Designed to develop low-maintenance visual buffers or screenings of railroad right of ways throughout the city.
Estimated Cost: Undetermined
Directional Signage: Add decorative signs directing visitors to places of interest in the city.
Estimated Cost: $75,000-$100,000 initially, along with maintenance costs.
Enhance Maxwell Siding Train Display: The aim would be to create more accessible, usable and aesthetically-pleasing displays.
Estimated Cost: Undetermined
Upgrade S. Highway 395 Median Plantings: Designed to provide a positive visual impression for the 7,000 vehicles that pass by the highway each day.
Estimated Cost: Undetermined, but expected to be low.
Re-Paint Water Tower: The current paint job looks unfinished.
Estimated Cost: $40,000, which is included in the 2015-16 city budget.
