April 13, 2021 - Center City Council held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the multi-million dollar streetscape renewal project on Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Downtown Center square.
Mayor David Chadwick spoke to the merchant especially but to everyone else as well, "Thank ya'll for being here. We have waited for what, 133 years! It's hard to believe that it has been over 10 years since we started planning and now its finally here. We have gone through pandemics, we've gone through floods, ice, everything and we've discovered an entirely new history of Shelby County than we ever new existed under these grounds. We really want to say our first thank yous to the patience that you have given us in doing this; it has pushed every button I know you have. We really are proud of what we have here and hope that we all prosper from it."
After the quick speech, the Mayor took the official ribbon cutting scissors provided by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and cut the ribbon. The best part of the ceremony was once the ribbon was cut, the barriers blocking the roadways were removed and traffic quickly began flowing.
The Mayor did ask that downtown travelers please be alert that traffic has returned to its original pattern running courterclockwise around the square which includes the inside parking area as well. The inside lane is a turn only lane and all intersections are four way stops.
Those present at the ribbon cutting included City of Center Council members Leigh Porterfield, Randy Collard, Howell Howard, and Terry Scull; City Employees; Center Police Department; Payne & Payne Home and Such Like; Mooney's Emporium; TMCE, Inc.; Lil's Deals; Morrison Insurance; Daughters of the Republic of Texas; Shelby County Chamber of Commerce; Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center; Affinity Hospice; Saf-T-First Drug Testing; Shelby County Treasurer Ann Blackwell; SC Auditor Clint Porterfield; State Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian, and members of the community.
Editor's note: The 133 years was calculated from the 1886 date to the beginning of construction in 2019.
