First Bend ‘Core Area’ revitalization project on NE Second Street now complete
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video, interviews with City officials, project details, future plans)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s Northeast Second Street between Franklin and Greenwood avenues reopened to two-way traffic on Wednesday. The project, referred to as the Second Street Revitalization, is the first major milestone of the City’s Urban Renewal Project targeting Bend’s ‘Core Area’. According to city officials, it’s just the beginning.
City Engineering Director Ryan Oster told KTVZ News Wednesday, “The main focus was really to make Second Street a more urban environment. The entire project concept and design was driven by the local business owners in the area and interested parties.”
Upgrades to the area include new sidewalks and safer intersections, encouraging ease-of-use and slower traffic. The improvements aim to make the street more inviting for everyone, and help to bring businesses to the area.
Speaking to the enhancements, Oster told us, “There’s some features on Second Street that really encouraged making it a safe area for all the users. We’re really hoping this is kind of a jump-start to a few years of really encouraging growth in the area.”
The growth Oster is referring to is already underway. KTVZ News also spoke with Jonathan Taylor, the city’s urban renewal project manager, about what’s next for Bend’s Core Area.
“Over the next four years, the Urban Renewal Agency is going to invest another $2 million to $5 million in the area. We’re trying to increase housing production as well as continued beautification and overall enhancement of the core area,” said Taylor.
Ultimately, the goal for revitalizing the Core Area is to extend the feeling of downtown through Franklin Avenue into First, Second, and Third streets.
“The overall vision is just to continue that urban design framework where people can live and work in the area,” said Taylor.
The city plans a project completion celebration at 4:15 p.m. next Tuesday at the Dogwood at the Pine Shed, 821 NE Second Street in Bend.
The community is invited to join the city and the Bend Urban Renewal Agency in celebrating the completion of the Second Street (Franklin to Greenwood) project, a Core Area Tax Increment Financing project that signals an urban renewal milestone.
The family-friendly celebration kicks off at 4:15 p.m. with remarks from elected leaders, an opportunity to learn more about the projects and visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy the food trucks and support area businesses.