Bellville is currently missing some of its aesthetic charm—but not for long. The sidewalks and curbs were removed to accommodate the installation of storm sewers. But the project is steadily progressing. When completed, not only will village businesses have some flood security, but the new vintage-style streetlights, new sidewalks and replacement trees will revive some of the Victorian charm.
The Streetscape project costs an estimated $360,000 with 20 percent funded by the village. And the bulk of the funding comes from state and federal grants and loans.
The new streetlights should be arriving early next month,” said Mayor Darrell Banks who is the project manager for the new Streetscape in Bellville. This week, some of the new curbs were poured.
“I’m really pumped up,” said “Whitey Flockerzie,” who prefers to be known just as Whitey. “It’s an inconvenience now, you have to wash your windows, but it’s going to be pretty.”
Whitey, who has owned and operated the barber shop in downtown since 1965, currently lives in Shelby. He said that now he might have to move to Bellville. Whitey has been in the business for forty-eight years, and though he said he would like to retire, is not sure if he will.
“I’m more excited about this for the village than anything in 50 years,” he stated as he moved the trimmer around a customer’s haircut. “I’m excited because we’re getting this money from DC and it is coming down here to Bellville.”
Across the parking lot, Christie Cecil, a beautician, operates her shop. Her Ru-Len Beauty Bar is quaint, decorated with a case full of jewelry and walk-ins are welcome. It will, however, be easier to walk in when the hole in the sidewalk is filled.
“Is it a problem with me,” asked Cecil, “No, my customers are all local. They have a way to get here.” Cecil’s customers don’t seem too inconvenienced by the major construction outside. Patrons can walk in through the back.
“Sometimes that’s what you have to do for progress,” said Cecil’s customer Ilene Messer.
“Yes, we’re very excited,” stated Cecil, “It will be very nice when it gets done. I absolutely think there will be new business.” She said there will be a new Mechanics Bank, and Brumby’s coffee shop and pizzeria across the street is in the midst of their own, interior remodeling. “It’s all going to come together,” Cecil stated.
The progress of the Streetscape can be seen from her beautician window. There is a large opening in the sidewalk, and an electrical conduit pipe visible. The wiring hidden within the exposed pipe will light the streetscape at the end of summer when the new light poles are installed.
While it may not look like it now, the beautification of Bellville’s downtown is leading ready to a fresh new look.
