Pedestrian signals in downtown Kennett removed

KENNETT, Mo. -- Those who have been to downtown Kennett lately have likely noticed a big change in its appearance. In addition to all the awnings being taken down, some of the pedestrian crossing lights have been removed.

Mayor Roger Wheeler Sr. said the pedestrian crossing lights at St. Francis Street on the west side of the square were actually mounted on some of the framework of the awnings. So when the awnings came down, the pedestrian crossing lights had to come down, too.

The same scenario exists for those pedestrian crossing lights at the corner of Kennett and First streets by Mitchell's Drugstore and the Daily Dunklin Democrat.

Removal of the awnings began Dec. 2 as part of the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Initiative project that is focused on revitalizing and remodeling the square.

The city of Kennett had previously received $300,000 in a community block grant for removal of awnings and repair of the facades where the awnings were attached.

As for the pedestrian crossing lights, "MoDOT has a plan to relight the whole thing," Wheeler said.

He said the suspended lights across First Street will be gone as MoDOT mounts the whole lighting system on new pedestals and arms.

Wheeler said he did not know the time frame for installation.