The heart of Stockton, known as the Miracle Mile, is poised for a transformative facelift. Spearheaded by Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) and the newly inaugurated Ad Hoc Workgroup, the much-anticipated Miracle Mile Improvement Project took its first official stride forward this past Wednesday.
Formed of 21 community representatives, the Ad Hoc Workgroup hosted its inaugural public meeting, seeking vital feedback on the impending improvement project. Villapudua regards this endeavor as a turning point for Stockton, envisioning a revitalized, safe, clean, and thriving Miracle Mile.
In a significant funding boost, Villapudua has managed to secure $20 million from the state for crucial safety and aesthetic enhancements. This was supplemented by an additional $3.1 million that he announced during Wednesday's meeting.
The initiative for these improvements was significantly influenced by the tragic death of Casey Bynum, a young restaurant worker, who lost his life while trying to capture a photo across the street. This tragic incident spotlighted the dire need for improved safety measures along the Mile.
For Kevin Hernandez, the owner of AVE on the Mile and Bynum's employer, the tragedy became a personal mission. Committed to ensuring a safer district, Hernandez affirmed, "I made a promise to the community, to a grieving mother, vowing to honor Casey by making our district safer." He now serves as a vital member of the Ad Hoc Workgroup.
Hernandez and other business proprietors have fervently advocated for crucial safety modifications, which include updated pedestrian crossings, enhanced lighting, and a reduced speed limit to ensure the Mile evolves into a pedestrian-friendly zone.
Expressing his commitment, Villapudua emphasized the significance of public involvement, stating, "Our priority remains to ensure we don’t witness another devastating accident on our mile."
The Miracle Mile's future promises to enshrine Bynum's legacy. Brooke Formati, a dear friend of Bynum's, poignantly remarked, "It's disheartening that it often takes a tragedy to bring about necessary change. But this endeavor undoubtedly honors Casey, testifying that he continues to positively impact our community even in his absence."
The Ad Hoc Workgroup faces the monumental task of submitting their official proposals for the district's enhancement to the City of Stockton by early 2024. With a project completion deadline set for 2028, city officials are eager to commence work by 2024, aiming to reshape the Miracle Mile into Stockton's dazzling centerpiece.
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