Myrle McLernon Lancaster Blvd Association on the Blvd Grand Opening

http://blvdtoday.com Myrle McLernon speaks on behalf of the Blvd Association about the new Lancaster Blvd  at the Blvd grand opening.

City of Lancaster’s BLVD Transformation Completed

Community Invited to Explore the new Heart and Soul 
of the Antelope Valley

Lancaster, CA. November 23, 2010 – Today, the City of Lancaster hosted a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing the completion of The BLVD portion of the City’s downtown transformation effort; opening Lancaster Boulevard from 10^th Street West to Sierra Highway.

“What we have all created here is a centralized community-gathering place for family, friends and businesses to enjoy,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.  “The variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options provides something for every age group, and offers activities for every occasion.”

“After less than nine months of construction, we are happy to look down The BLVD and see what has been accomplished by working together as a community,” remarked Lancaster City Manager Mark V. Bozigian. “This was a complex project with a very aggressive timeline, which wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of many key individuals who made this transformation a huge success.”

The main thoroughfare of The BLVD is now complete, with additional construction on Elm Avenue and Fig Avenue continuing for the next few months.

The City recognized several individuals with primary contractor Hanes & Associates, who were instrumental in the success of the project, including: Owner Greg Hanes, Vice President Steve Wayne, Project Manager Craig Fries and Project Superintendent Paul Hughes.  Additional subcontractors acknowledged for creating a successful project team include: Taft Electric, Cal Fran Engineering, Marina Landscaping and Precision Concrete.

 

 

Mayor Parris highlighted a specific draw of The BLVD; its new pedestrian-friendly design, which provides easy access to residents, visitors and area employees who can stroll to establishments in a safe, casual and welcoming environment offering limited traffic flow and Sheriff foot and bike patrol.  He also emphasized the importance of community events and local business support, particularly during the current economic conditions.

“This is a time when it is most critical to keep the spirit of our community uplifted.  Many are struggling with the effects of this harsh economic climate.  It is good for all of us to know there is a place we can come to take our minds off of any stressors we face professionally and personally,” said Mayor Parris.  “BLVD events provide free and low-cost activities to ensure everyone has something to look forward to, especially during this holiday season.”

The City has already hosted several events to kick off this new destination for the senses.  The overwhelming success of the award-winning Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix is still a hot topic, with the City being awarded the prestigious Crystal Eagle Award from the California Downtown Association at today’s BLVD opening.  Additional events drawing crowds from all over southern California include Celebrate America on The BLVD – a tribute to our military forces and The BooLVD Halloween and Harvest Festival, which featured a stellar performance by original cast members of the famous “Thriller” dance video.

“These events were just the beginning of what’s to come for the rest of this holiday season, as well as annually on The BLVD.  I’d like to invite everyone to come out and have a Magical BLVD Christmas with us on December 11^th as well, “added Mayor Parris.

A Magical BLVD Christmas is the upcoming holiday street festival hosted by the City on The BLVD between Beech Avenue and Fig Avenue from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The event will offer outstanding entertainment, food and activities for the entire family, and follows the morning’s annual Breakfast with Santa affair which takes place at the Lancaster City Park Stanley Kleiner Activity Center from 8:00am to noon.

A special note regarding The BLVD is the arrival of many new and existing small businesses which require the support of the community to survive and thrive.  Small businesses and their entrepreneurial spirit are the staples of the American dream and backbone of our economy.

Mayor Parris elaborated on the importance of these ideals.  “We’ve been pushing the message of ‘Shop Lancaster First’ long before this downtown revitalization took place.  We hope our citizens continue to recognize the significance of spending their dollars within their own community, as it allows the City and its businesses to continue to provide the products and services offered to you right here at home.  Additionally, the level of quality, personalized and friendly customer service is unsurpassed when you support your fellow citizens who have a vested interest in the community.  The BLVD comprises small, entrepreneurial businesses because we know they are the backbone of the Antelope Valley’s economic success. It is imperative that we all shop Lancaster whenever possible.  We’re all in this together.”

City Manager Mark V. Bozigian noted key staff members who were instrumental in the management and implementation of The BLVD transformation.  These individuals include Senior Construction Manager Jon Cantrell, BLVD Project Manager Heather Kennedy, Capital Projects Inspector Mike Shively, Inspector Sam Cervantes and Inspector Mark Alius.

“I would like to commend City staff on the outstanding job they have done in keeping this complex project on track.  They kept the momentum going by efficiently dealing with all issues that arose during construction, and they skillfully managed resources and relationships to ensure everyone stayed on course through the very end,” noted Mr. Bozigian.

“On behalf of the City Council and the City of Lancaster, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this phenomenal project.  Take a look around at your new BLVD… the premier destination you all created in our own backyard. Congratulations,” closed Mayor Parris.