Tree Replacements
The trees are being planted in planters better designed for urban spaces with special structural soil
. These trees will include October Glory Red Maple, Avalyn Laurel Oak, Golden Globe Gingko, European Hornbeam, Chinese Ironwood, Collynair American Hornbeam, and Biloxi Crepe Myrtle.More trees will be replanted in the area than were removed.Tree replacement has been a part of the East Clayton Street Improvements Project since the beginning of the project. Many of the former trees were not designed for an urban environment and were not suited for confined spaces. The planters that encase them and the soil used is not as well-designed for this kind of environment as are the currently-designed planters and soil.New trees better suited to an urban environment will be planted in spaces that are better designed to handle their root systems. These new trees should last for decades, if not longer, without causing the problems of these older ones.Public Art
The artist for the Clayton Street Improvements Public Art, Eric Leshinsky, continues working on his fabrication. Artwork is expected for installation beginning in late July 2022.Overhead Lighting
Low-voltage festoon lighting has been installed from pole to pole, parallel to the sidewalk and trees, along most of the corridor on East Clayton Street. Only parts of one block remain for light installation. Once the trees reach a large enough size, additional lighting will be added to the trees.
Stormwater System
A water quality treatment unit will remove trash, oil, and sediment near the downstream outfall in conjunction with the existing underground facility located on East Broad Street at the Firefly Trail entrance.
Treating this larger area will still eventually allow pressure washing of the streetscape once the project is completed.
Phase 1 of the plan will be installed as part of this project and is scheduled to begin in mid-August 2022.
Rainbow Crosswalk
In June 2020, the Mayor and Commission approved the installation of a rainbow crosswalk in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The crosswalk will be placed at the College Avenue / East Clayton Street intersection once the project is completed and East Clayton Street receives its final repaving and striping, likely by late summer 2022.
Other Related Projects
Public Restroom Facility (Portland Loo)
The public restroom facility - the Portland Loo model - was approved by the Mayor and Commission on October 5, 2021.
Although outside of the project's area and technically not part of the East Clayton Street project, it is nearby. The restroom will be located in front of the College Avenue parking deck near the intersection of College Avenue and Washington Street. It is expected to be installed in late fall 2022 based on fabrication and material availability.
Eco-Stations
The Mayor and Commission approved the designs and layouts of Eco-Stations in April 2021. Although not technically a part of this streetscape project, as they will be in areas other than East Clayton Street, they are being planned and designed while the work is in progress.
Eco-stations are enclosed areas used to gather trash and recycling from businesses and residents in order to avoid bags and recycling being placed directly on the streetscape / sidewalk. Bags left on the curbs leak, are unsightly, cause pedestrian conflicts, and can be a safety hazard.
Solid Waste, the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, and SPLOST will finalize a call for art for the wrapping of the eco-stations once the design details are completed and fabrication begins.
The eco-stations are expected to be installed by the end of 2022 based on fabrication and material availability.