Downtown project in Greenfield takes next steps

A partnership between Greenfield Chamber Main Street, the City of Greenfield, and local businesses continues taking shape. The general public should soon see evidence of progress on the west side of the Greenfield Public Square in the form of facade revitalization.

In February, it was announced Greenfield obtained a $530,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant made possible by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

These funds can be used to help rehabilitate blighted downtown buildings.

The grant requires matching funds and city partnership on a financial level.

A whole list of items was completed by city officials in order to apply for the grant.

Those close to the grant have met with business owners in the affected areas to identify ways the money can be used to spruce up this part of the town’s historic square.

“We’re well into the contract with the state,” Greenfield Chamber Main Street and Development Director Stacie Eshelman said during a networking lunch held early this month. “That will include improvements on the west side of downtown. There are eight buildings involved and 14 facades.”

Officials are waiting on asbestos assessments, then the project will be able to be let for bids.

During a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Greenfield City Council approved scheduling a public hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 19 for the plans, specifications, and form of contract for the project. B2 Environmental was hired as the contractor for asbestos abatement on the project.

“We hope to go out for bids soon with work beginning this spring,” Eshelman said. “You’ll start to see a lot of improvement on the west side of the Square and west on Iowa Street”