Position of Steve Lessler, Fairfield City Council

West Texas Street, one of the key entrances to our City, is in need of a significant facelift! What needs to be done?

First is the change in location of the County’s homeless shelter.  With this facility located at the entrance to our City’s downtown area, we stand little chance of improving the situation of vagrants and the homeless congregating on Texas Street and in Allan Witt Park.  They make it difficult for businesses to attract customers and for families and children to use our beautiful park facilities.

Second is to improve the facades, landscaping and streetscape in the area from I 80 to Pennsylvania Avenue.  This includes a signage program such as has begun on other streets around downtown, as well as public/private partnerships investing in the buildings, streets, landscaping and hardscape.

Third is a promotional campaign such as has been in place on North Texas Street for the past few years.  This is done through the formation of a business association as well as City staff, working together to get the message out about cleanup progress and relocation of the homeless center and Caltrans at some point in the future.  Perhaps the Downtown Association can work with West Texas to make this happen.

Last is the revitalization of Allan Witt Park.  With the building of the new skate park facility, we need to make overall improvements to the entire park.  Landscaping, play areas, ball fields and picnic areas all need to be revitalized by the City to create an atmosphere inviting to the community.