pedestrian-friendly center, though planned bypass routes aim to transform this dynamic. BUILDING A COMMUNITY, NOT JUST A TOWN West Lincoln’s approach to development prioritizes community-building alongside physical infrastructure. The municipality’s Main Street revitalization efforts focus on creating mixed-use spaces that honor local heritage while accommodating growth. “Currently we don’t have the Main Street that we would love to have, but it’s in the process of being redeveloped,” Ganann explains. “Those changes are being developed now in such a way as to sort of incorporate the old, keep the sense of older homes and the sense of being in a small town, and at the same time look at encouraging new small businesses in.” “We have picked up three or four brand new businesses in those smaller buildings, typical small towns where commercial is down below and some residential on top,” she adds, describing downtown’s evolution.The redevelopment of the former feed mill site exemplifies this balance, with modern housing that maintains the area’s historic character. Resident preferences guide these decisions. “Even though they know we need some growth, they want to live in a small town, and they want that small-town feel to still be there,” Ganann explains, referencing community feedback. This sentiment informs planning decisions, from streetscaping projects to zoning adjustments that preserve Smithville’s charm. The upcoming Smithville bypass represents a transformative infrastructure project.“Once that loop is in place to allow the heavier trucks and machinery a different way to get around Smithville, that’s when we’re going to be able to make some of those larger changes,” explains McBride. “It’s very easy for those kinds of roads to divide a community, I think what we want to look at going forward is how do we build a new main street through Smithville that really draws a community and gives a sense of place,” he adds. This critical rerouting of industrial traffic will enable 152 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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