Anyone who has ever dealt with a fixer-upper most certainly has used the phrase, “a fresh coat of paint will go a long way.” While the current sidewalk project is much more vast in scope, the aesthetic effect is just as satisfying when you see those freshly set walkways, unstained by the elements and decades of foot traffic.
Motors on Main wrapped its 2026 season on a bustling night for our city, competing with those bound for Atrox at the peak of Spooky Season, and our Arts Council players showing their holiday run of The Addams Family. Eric Waters performed on the sidewalk, businesses were cycling customers, and I overheard conversations of paint schemes and chrome placement in the streets. It warmed my heart to see the people of Leeds enjoying themselves on a beautiful fall evening. I then realized how many of these people must be visitors to our city and felt the urge to welcome them individually and encourage them to make themselves at home. Downtown is our home and we should take pride in keeping things tidy for our guests.
This city feels like it’s starting to come alive. Not so long ago I would walk up and down the sidewalks on Saturday passing empty facades. Dust covered windows, barriers between myself and the abyss of potential on the other side. It’s getting better, which is what I hoped for on those discouraging days spent strolling what seemed no more than a ghost town. The romantic in me doesn’t want to stop. I picture alleyways lit up with string lights above an outdoor patio of a restaurant filled with couples sitting beneath warm light with a bottle of wine. I see a cocktail bar with windows, a rooftop cocktail bar if this wishing is merely an exercise, with patrons laughing over drinks before walking to the [hypothetical] restaurant.
Our new sidewalks, among other projects aimed at furthering the development of this city, provide the infrastructure needed for such dreams. Nothing derails a great idea like poor infrastructure. My hope for this city is that we continue to pursue projects that will advance us, and for our citizens to take pride in their own corner of this beautiful place. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is all you need.
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