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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1995-02-15, Page 13,..�...-.,`+�°rs.�..�,r-•...'5-q T-�.'.�,.� 5-.,....r ► • • • • • • • • • • • • The wooden Bower box outside of Melba Tucker's on Main Street in an example of the style of flower boxes the beautification commitee is considering. New boxes would be constructed of wrought iron for more longevity. What's old is new again in Exeter Victorian style is the theme for a "new" beautification project for the streetscape By Heather Vincent T -A staff EXETER - The Exeter Business Association's beautification com- mittee is taking a pro -active ap- proach to keeping Exeter a destina- tion town and a service centre. Barb Turnbull of the committee' says that the downtown core "needs a facelift." The committee has a plan in the works which would span five or six years and consist of bringing an overall Victorian look to the core of the town. The project would see new Vic- torian style lamp posts replace the current concrete street lights. Al- though the current light's are still functional, they do little to enhance the charm of the buildings along Main Street, says the group. Wrought iron lamp posts of a sim- ple design and are currently being considered by the committee, but it may be several years before the funds can be raised to install them. The cost of the lamps is yet to be determined and the committee is currently receiving quotes from lo- cal manufacturers. As a complement to the coach lights, iron flower boxes designed by Lisa Tuckey are also part of the project. Several local stores in- cluding Melba Tucker's, Raintree Designs and Country Flowers al- ready have constructed window boxes for their store fronts. The boxes which will be available in two styles, one vertical standing box and one tradi- tional window box, are to be maintained by the merchant. The Clower boxes will be a shared cost project if approved. Some of the cost will be picked up by store owners and some by the Business Association. The boxes could be installed along Main Street as soon as this summer in time for the Can- ada in Bloom Competition which Exeter will be participating in this July. Each merchant will be re- sponsible for keeping flowers main- tained in the boxes during warm months and greenery in the winter. If money is made available, the re -vitalization plan would begin with approximately 31 lamp posts to be installed in the original core area on Main Street between Hu- ron and Gid - ley. The current lights are tall and spaced far apart. Smaller with will likely not throw as light and may need to be spaced closer together. "Chances are they would be clos- er than what they are now," said Sherman Roth, manager of the Pub- lic Utilities Commission. "With the changing nature of retail, we want to present Exeter as a service centre and alternative to the big box stores." lamps much ZIXIXXzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzXIXXIXzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Tasty Nu Fine Quality Products Canadian and Imported Cheese "Fresh off the Block" at Fresh Made! Soup & Sandwiches Coffee, Donuts & Pastries Hot Entree's - eat in or take ou NEW Lower Prices! grsis Week, 5eaturesi Fresh Baked Crusty Rolls $1.49 doz. New! French Baguette .69C ea. Chelsea Buns L99 pkg. of 8 Carrot Muffins 1.99 pkg. of 6 OHM Medium Cheddar $3.99 lb. Bavarian Rye S1.29 loaf 1 Monterray Jack $3.99 lb. - weekly specials - fast friendly service - always fresh - volume discounts for clubs, church groups etc. Tastypiu 444 Main St. S., Exeter 235-0332 (beside Canadian Tire) zzzzzzzzzzzzuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz In addition to lamps and window boxes, the committee has hopes for including trees and benches as part of an ongoing goal to make Exeter an attractive alternative for shop- pers who are looking for more per- , sonal service than they can find in large shopping malls. "Exeter for the last 20 to 30 years has been an area centre for re- tailing. With the changing nature of retail we want to present Exeter as a service centre and an al- ternative to the big box stores," said John Wuerth. The Main Street Christmas dec- orations are in need of replacement and before new ornaments are pur- chased, the lamppost issue should be dealt with to avoid making pur- chases which do not fit into the long term plans for the town. The original concept of using wrought iron was introduced sever- al years ago when approximately 12 iron garbage receptacles were purchased by the Business Associa- tion. "We are trying to enhance something that was started some years ago," said Helen Miller. According to the History of Exet- er, by Joe Wooden, in the 1930's cast iron ornamental street lights, similar to what the committee wants to see today, were instated to replace the lighting which had served for the previous 20 years. But those "old fashioned" lamps were in turn replaced by concrete standards and fluorescent lights, in- stalled in 1966-67 along Main Street. Fluorescent lights have now been replaced by high pressure so- dium lights, but on the same con- crete poles. The only concern regarding the project, said Shari Robinson, has come from professionals and mem- bers of industry who do not see this project benefitting them directly. But the committee stresses that the enhancing the streetscape will draw more people to Exeter which is in the interest of all local businesses. New street lamps in the core area are just the first step in the plan. The mandate of the Business As- sociation is not only beautification but pl-omotion aad will continue with its marketing efforts. The committee is looking for po- tential partttets in helping to fi- nance the project which could in- clude input from Town Council, the Works Department and the P.U.C. The committee members at present are Shari Robinson, Helen Miller, John Wuerth, Barb Turnbull and Lisa Tuckey. But the group says they welcome the ideas of anyone who would like to join in the plan- ning process. Wuerth said that Exeter stores are filling up again and merchants see the proximity to London not as a threat but rather as an opportunity. "We want to show that a town can stand up on its merits of having in- dividual unique stores, a lot of cus- tomer service. Beautification is a big part of making it a fun town to come to." N E' N PARTS TRADE FAIR C�, • _ A: Tom- - T+f 5G -r - y ion. FEB. 2Oth-Sat. MAR. 18tH 24 DAYS OF UNMATCHED SAVINGS ON ALL PARTS EC FARM EQ IPM T - EXETER, ONTARIO Sales, Service & Rentals Since 1932 1-800-265-2121 PRICE (519) 235-2123 FAX (519) 235-2791 CASE In