Engineering Work Has Started On Gateway To Yakima

The city of Yakima is ready to spend $11 million to remodel North First Street the official entrance to the city. City Manager Tony O'Rourke says engineering work is underway. He says the physical changes will happen early in 2016. Changes include a new road and sidewalk, new lighting and the removal of overhead power lines. "If we're going to make that physical change we also have to help make a change the feel of the area to clean up the criminal aspects to make it truly the gateway to Yakima." He says the city is working closely with the Yakima Union Gospel Mission and other businesses along North First Street hoping to bring a change that will benefit everyone. The mission plans an expansion of the facility but that's currently on hold as the city hearing examiner considers an appeal of the plan filed by area business owners.
The work on North First Street will start early next year.