SANFORD — A project that began with the desire by a local businessman to see improvements to a busy intersection is scheduled to enter its final stages sometime this summer.

H. Allen Mapes said two homes, one on Cottage Street and another on River Street, will soon be sporting fresh, new paint.

Mapes initiated the drive to demolish the Bland Block building at the corner of River and Cottage streets. The effort to remove the vacant building, which was determined to be a safety hazard for motorists, was taken on by the city and accomplished late last year.

During his quest to see the Bland Block come down ”“ before the project was picked up by the city ”“ Mapes approached the owners of the two houses on either side of the Bland Block building and asked if they’d be willing to see them painted. He said they OK’d the plan.

Now that the building has been demolished, Mapes said it’s time for the paint job. Largely a volunteer effort, there have been donations of paint, and a contingent of painters and others have come forward to volunteer their time.

Mapes said he expects the paint job to commence when painters’ time permits ”“ sometime this summer.