"We are very, very happy to see this:" A south side neighborhood has gotten a facelift
MILWAUKEE -- A south side neighborhood has gotten a face life. The Historic Layton Boulevard Association was formed 20 years ago. Just recently, it completed a three-year-long project to improve the neighborhood.
Layton Boulevard
On the corner of Layton and Burnham, city officials and community members gathered to celebrate.
"South Layton is one of the most beautiful streets in this entire community," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
And just recently, its beauty has been enhanced.
Officials with the Historic Layton Boulevard Association, along with city officials, have done some major streetscaping along Layton Boulevard -- including the installation of colored concrete crosswalks, improved curb ramps and added decorative trash cans at the major intersections.
Layton Boulevard
"We are very, very happy to see this," said Donna Hyke with the Historic Layton Boulevard Association.
"This is part of our overall vision of making sure, as we move the city forward, we're moving all portions of the city forward at all times and the more we do that, the more we make sure every single neighborhood is moving forward, the stronger our city will be," said Mayor Barrett.
Layton Boulevard
Rep. Josh Zepnick (D-Milwaukee) helped secure the $1.3 million it took to complete the project.
"It really makes a difference as a place to be and live and work and enjoy," said Zepnick.
They've also installed 135 new light poles and upgraded 84 existing lights to the original Milwaukee lantern fixture.
Layton Boulevard
"I do remember, as a child, seeing the lights and I thought, 'Wow, that's like living in fairly land' because of the beautiful lights and now they're here," said Hyke.
For so many, this project was about restoring the historic boulevard and working to keep it as one of Milwaukee's most treasured areas.
"We are going in the right direction I believe," said Hyke.
The Historic Layton Boulevard Association is working to get more grants and funding to replace all of the plastic trash bins and update the bus shelters.