The City of Statesboro will host a public meeting regarding its upcoming West Main Street improvement project on Thursday, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Averitt Center for the Arts Whitaker Black Box Theater located at 41 W. Main St.

Members of the public are invited to view proposed streetscape plans and share their input.

The City of Statesboro has contracted with Cranston, an Augusta-based civil engineering and planning firm, to manage the streetscape project. Proposed improvements to the downtown street include decorative streetlights, benches and landscaping, as well as drainage improvements, utility relocations, as needed, and traffic engineering enhancements.

The project’s primary focus will be in the area of West Main Street from the intersections of North Main and South College Streets.

“This project was first identified as a priority in the early 2000s when the East Main Street streetscape project was performed, which extended from the courthouse down to Railroad Street just past City Hall,” said John Washington, city director of Public Works and Engineering. “Due to funding constraints, the project was tabled for several years but has finally been given the green light. Our goal for this project is to ensure West Main Street has the same character and amenities as East Main Street, including decorative pavers and enhanced lighting.”

While addressing the Statesboro City Council during its regular meeting on Nov. 5, City Manager Charles Penny acknowledged that the West Main Street project would have some challenges that the East Main Street improvement project didn’t face due to the location of existing buildings and street elevation. Penny went on to explain that enhancing sidewalks and retaining parking spaces would be high priorities for the project.

The public meeting will include a presentation explaining the proposed streetscape improvements and an input session for residents to give feedback.