University Place Streetscape Funds

At a glance

What: $1,500,000 in tax increment financing for the University Place commercial corridor facade restoration and streetscape project.
Result: Passed 7-0 on September 21, 2026.
Plan: Redesign and pave the alley behind North 48th Street businesses as a pedestrian walkway.

Marvin said the alley lacks maintenance and holds trash receptacles; narrow sidewalks and exterior stairs on 48th Street limit access. Customers could park in the adjacent Park and Go lot and enter from the rear. Later ideas include evening street closures on St. Paul Avenue and a performance platform near another Park and Go lot.
Funds cover engineering, design and initial placemaking. Participating property owners face maintenance requirements enforceable by liens.
Hyatt said programs like the Hawley program include a clawback provision (she did not recall the timeframe) and that Wesleyan University owns most adjacent buildings and keeps its portion of the alley to a high standard, so the project stops where its improvements begin.
Resolution A-95956 covers an area bounded by Knox Street, 44th Street, 53rd Street and Leighton Avenue.

Hearing and approval, 7-0.