The Town of Keysville recently completed its downtown revitalization project using a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) totaling more than $655,000, according to Community Planning Partners (CPP) Vice President Christopher Ward.

Town Manager Dennis Carney said some of the improvements funded by the grant include new signage on Main Street, new parking signs around the War Memorial and flags on the light poles.

“I know we just finished it,” Carney said.

News signs were not the only facelift the town received.

According to Ward, the CBDG also allowed for, “exterior facade improvements to 60 facades (front, sides and rears where applicable) on 25 buildings/businesses.”

He said crews were also able to install new curbs and gutters on Railroad Avenue at King Street, 17 metal banners in the project area, new pedestrian access and directional signage, two decorative arches on Main Street at King Street, new pavement at the public parking lot behind the War Memorial Park and a new town webpage to market and promote Keysville.

Town Council member Sarah Critzer said the streetscape project was the last portion of the town’s revitalization project.

“I feel like the project has been very successful,” said Critzer. “We had so much participation.”

She said the work improved the appearance of the downtown area.

CPP assisted the town during the revitalization project, funds for which were awarded in 2012.

The town was initially awarded $568,750 in multi-year funding for the project.

CPP said infrastructure improvement designs were implemented by the town’s project designer, Clara Aleman of Harvey Design Land Architects.

Harvey Design Land Architects is based in Lynchburg and responsible for several major projects in Farmville, Lynchburg and Appomattox. 

Ward said in an HPP newsletter that the revitalization project had been a success and will help to continuously drive economic activity in Keysville.