Boneyard could become benefit

URBANA -- Businesses are looking forward to a new and inviting downtown atmosphere. It's all thanks to the city's Boneyard Creek Improvement Project. WCIA-3's Jeff Wagner previews what's to come and why so many are excited for Our Town Urbana.

"Isn't much flow in it, not the most attractive thing."

City engineer, Brad Bennett, knows the Boneyard Creek doesn't look inviting now. The water barely runs and barbed wire fencing gives the area an intimidating look. But, that's exactly what he's hoping to change, and then some.

"This was a 3-D model that we had prepared. Our pathway system will start over by the sidewalks on race street and it kind of come down and wind along. We'll get a new bridge, the street will actually be rebuilt as a new concrete street."

And people will be able to walk right underneath it. The project spans about 800', winding from Griggs Street to Broadway Avenue and right behind Silvercreek.

"Obviously we're not going to have the San Antiono River Walk. But, we can do a lot with what we have and that is what the city is looking forward to doing."

Alan Strong owns Silvercreek. His restaurant offers a greenhouse dining area, but what he'd really like is a natural environment for customers to enjoy.

"People can go to his restaurant, enjoy a nice dinner there then cross the creek and maybe connect to the station theatre and catch a production."

"We're really excited about the Boneyard Development Project, and I think it's going to be a great thing for downtown and Urbana and for us too."

The city's budget for the project is $7.5 million. Leaders are currently in the middle of negotiations with contractors. They hope to have the project finished by Spring 2014.