Summerville looking to make downtown more pedestrian friendly

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – The Town of Summerville is working on a plan to beautify the downtown shopping district while also making it more pedestrian-friendly.

Monica Bone’s shop, Vintage Vibes on Main Street, is just a few blocks from Hutchinson Square. Sometimes foot traffic can be light, but something as simple as refurbishing the sidewalks has had a positive impact on her business.

“The past year or so, though, with the expansion of some of the sidewalks, especially like this one in front of the shop, we have noticed a little more foot traffic,” she said.

That’s why she is excited about the town’s place to extend the look and feel of Hutchinson Square to the surrounding area.

“We’ve hired a consulting engineer to help us with that effort, but the first five blocks of Main Street north of the railroad tracks between the railroad tracks and Highway 78 are going to be beautified, improved, the utilities are going to be put underground. We’re going to improve the walkability, and the landscaping along that entire corridor,” said Summerville Mayor Russ Touchberry.

The town does not have an exact cost or even detailed plans in place, but they have state and federal funding lined up, and the project should be completed within roughly four years from now.

There could be wider sidewalks, and room for tree canopies to grow larger in the future. It’s designed to encourage people to enjoy businesses over a larger area.

Businesses like Vintage Vibes on Main.

“We’re thankful for our community. That’s what’s gotten us through some really trying times; it’s gotten us through Covid. So, any extra foot traffic would be definitely welcome,” said Bone.

The first public meetings for this project could happen as soon as early next year.