Though the city of Owensboro is facing its share of challenges due to COVID-19, most of the City’s projects are continuing to make progress.
According to Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock, contractors working on city projects are considered essential because the projects focus on government infrastructure.
The Jack C. Fisher Park rebranding and renovation project is well underway with just a few weeks left to go. According to Hancock, Fisher Park is set to complete the current phase of its project by May 12.
The renovation includes new synthetic fields, irrigation systems, batting cages and signage, as well as a major parking lot expansion.
If nationwide social distancing restrictions are loosened after May 10, Hancock said the park’s completion would fall in line with opening seasons for softball and baseball tournaments. If the restrictions extend beyond May 10, the timeline for opening the park becomes uncertain.
The Gabe’s Tower demolition project has been coordinated by the city and is “full speed ahead” in its progress, Hancock said.
Right now contractors are in the environmental impact phase, and they will soon focus on removing asbestos from the 12-story building. That process should take about 10 weeks instead of the originally planned four to six, Hancock said.
Contractors have to deliver materials to and from a variety of companies with Gabe’s Tower, and each of them abides by different social distancing regulations and precautions.
“The virus slows the process down a little bit,” Hancock said. “It’s a cyclical effect. They’re working with different fencing materials, contractors, and they’re all using masks, which are in high demand.”
The downtown bridge lighting project is also continuing forward. Hancock credited good weather and less rain in helping to push that project along, and he’s hopeful it will meet the completion deadline this July.
But other city efforts — many of which occur behind the scenes but continue to keep the city moving forward — have truly impressed Hancock, he said.
“Imagine how fast trash would pile up across the city if not for our sanitation department,” he said, commending Wayne Shelton and his Public Works team for getting the job done. “It’s astounding how well they’ve done.”
The city’s road department continues to fill potholes, pave the streets and do much-needed repair during the ongoing pandemic.
The Owensboro Police Department and Owensboro Fire Department continue to do their part every day to keep the city’s citizens protected and safe.
“Police and fire are still out there, and they diligently go about their jobs. It’s difficult, with traffic stops and going into someone’s home — you’re in close contact with others all the time,” Hancock said.
So far, these methods have worked, Hancock said. No employees with the City of Owensboro have tested positive for COVID-19.
“We are always concerned with public safety during an interim [period] like this, and that remains our biggest focus,” Hancock said. “ For city government, part of our job is to continue maintaining a sense of normalcy as best as we possibly can.”
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