San Luis launches Main Street beautification

SAN LUIS, Ariz. - It is said there is no second chance to make a good first impression, and that principle has set in motion this city's Main Street Beautification plan.

Main Street is the gateway into the rapidly growing border city for visitors coming from Mexico as well as those coming south via Highway 95.

The city has set aside nearly $200,000 for a two-phase renovation project on Main Street from Urtuzuastegui Street on the south end of the city to Juan Sanchez Boulevard on the north end.

The work includes lining the street with palm trees, adding benches, street lights, new trash cans and street banners that promote the city. And as part of the project, those residents who use bicycles to get around the city will have a designated area where they can secure their bikes while they frequent Main Street businesses.

"The intention is to promote the city so that tourists as well as residents feel welcome, and above all, we want people who cross the border to realize immediately that they are in the United States," said Karin Meza, the city's spokeswoman.

Mayor Juan Carlos Escamilla added, "Our goal is to make this city an attractive place for residents, visitors and businesses, at the same time we promote (the city's) cultural diversity, tourism and business development."

The city hopes to complete the first phase of the Main Street project, from Juan Sanchez Boulevard to C Street, before Christmas, Meza said.

The free bicycle parking area will be set aside in the city's efforts to curtail the practice of many bike riders to chain their bikes to trees, lightposts and pay phone booths, city officials said.

Bikes must use the designated area, once it is established, but San Luis Police Sgt. Ernesto Lugo said there will be a grace period before police begin to enforce the regulation.

"For the moment, there are not plans to fine people who don't follow the rule, except that if we find a bicycle in an undesignated area, we'll take it to the police station," Lugo said. "The only thing is, they'll be able to recover their bicycles during regular hours, but in special cases, it will be at a shift supervisor's discretion" to release a bike to the owner.

The city and police have been circulating fliers notifying the public of the Main Street project and of the bicycle restrictions.

"What we want is to have a clean city and to clarify that these measures are not only for residents but for all the people who visit us," Lugo said. "We're asking them to help improve the image of the city, and leaving bicycles wherever does not give a good impression."

City beautification "alleviates crime," he said. "We are doing this for the good of everyone - they're all our customers, and we want them to be safe."