Batavia's Arch Begins to Take Shape on River Street

Arch construction is under way in neighboring Batavia. Workers are setting up the framework for the distinctive decorative structure that is part of the Batavia Streetscape plan.

The arch will cost about $117,000 in total, but the funding came from tax increment financing monies. 

The city is paying $93,960 to WW Timber to build the arch. Additional costs include design work, foundation installation and lighting. 

Some members of the community were not entirely happy with the expense. A handful of people protested the archway, prior to the City Council's vote to take the action and subsequent decision not to call for a re-vote.

According to the city's streetscape report, the gateway arch to the northern entry to River Street will announce "a unique area of the City."

The River Street area has been proposed as a "Woonerf," a Dutch traffic code regulation that restricts motorized traffic to walking pace so that pedestrians and bicyclists can share the street with drivers.

Geneva has talked about a Woonerf plan for Third Street or perhaps other areas of the city.

"The creation of a woonerf would draw regional attention to River Street; the flexibility to close for special events provides a setting for festivals and special events and could add impetus to redevelopment," the report says.