Several of the officials who’ve been working to build onto Owensboro’s downtown met at a specially called city commission meeting on Tuesday, in a joint effort to discuss updates on ongoing projects.
The ongoing OBKY project is headed by Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock, who spoke to city commissioners about the latest developments regarding the downtown Entertainment Destination Center (EDC), the Mayor’s Mile and the downtown art project.
Hancock said the city has submitted their permit to the state for an EDC license, and that state officials had already visited Owensboro to conduct inspections.
“We’re looking at a March approval for the EDC, if all goes well,” Hancock said. Adding that the city plans to implement their EDC license during the first Friday After 5 event this summer.
The Mayor’s Mile, another aspect of the OBKY project, is planned to undergo an unveiling as soon as the weather warms up, Hancock said. Hancock thanked Tanner-West for designing the banners that Hancock said will be placed at every tenth of a mile along the walkway.
The Downtown Art Project is part of the OBKY project that’s already seen some success, according to Hancock. A mural recently painted on the side of the Owensboro Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s building has attracted visitors and residents of Owensboro as a place to “take selfies” and serve as an artistic representation of what Owensboro has to offer.
“We’re working on a proposal for the city to create another mural,” Hancock said. “We plan to debut it mid-summer.”
Local taxes will not pay for the existing murals or future murals painted on the walls of downtown buildings. Hancock said residents will either donate their time and services or sponsors can assist in making the murals happen.
Hancock also told city commissioners that a design has yet to be created for the lights on the Owensboro Bridge, but that a design will be formulated toward the end of January, once everything else has been finalized.
