BIDDEFORD — Construction on the proposed Main Street Sidewalk Improvement Extension Project could begin soon if the City Council approves it tonight.

The City Council tonight is expected to ratify the project, which includes the reconstruction and expansion of sidewalks on both sides of Main Street in Biddeford on its upper end – in addition to the installation of portable flower planters, trees and cobblestone flushes – following a presentation by Ransom Consulting, a firm working with the city on the project.

“Really, the sidewalks need reconstruction. Our businesses deserve better sidewalks in front of their buildings,” said Linda Waters, community development coordinator for Biddeford.

The project would be funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program, from which the city currently has $200,000. The city will receive an additional $112,000 in funding on July 1.

If approved by the council, the design will then be sent to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission for final approval. According to Waters, all HUD projects must be approved by the state in order for CDBG funds to be released. This approval is necessary to ensure historic elements of the city are not lost through community development projects.

Waters said she doesn’t foresee any problems in getting approval from the MHPC, but did acknowledge some city councilors might take issue with the planters that are part of the sidewalk redesign.

Planters were a topic of debate at a public meeting and informational session about the project held last month. The current design calls for the installation of several 2- to 3-foot-high flower planters and 4-foot-high seasonal tree planters at street level. These planters would temporarily be moved to storage in the winter and returned in the warmer months.

Some residents voiced concern about the need to maintain a multitude of new flower and tree planters in a city that struggles to meet its gardening requirements, often handled by volunteers who are already pressed for time between multiple commitments and who lack sufficient resources for proper upkeep.

Other members of the public have expressed disapproval of tree removal efforts that would occur if the project is approved.

“Planters and trees can be an ongoing discussion since everyone seems to like a certain kind of planter,” Waters said, adding that developers may purchase a few kinds of plants to test at first, which may be repurposed for other community projects if they are not well received.

“We just want to really get the design out and get the really big concerns – sidewalks cobblestones in-ground plantings and lighting – out,” Waters said. “We just want to make sure everybody understands what’s happening and what they’re paying for.”

Despite concerns about trees and planters, Waters said she is hopeful City Council will approve the project, noting its historical influence and mission to improve downtown.

“I think they will really like the project,” Waters said. “Due to it being construction season, we certainly want to get this underway.”

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or [email protected].