Path to Replace Valley Street Stairs

The steps leading from the Western Prom to Valley Street will be replaced by a paved path, according to City officials. The cost of replacing the steps - estimated at up to $180,000 - was a major factor in the decision to replace the steps, which had deteriorated beyond repair.

Although the path will not be officially handicap accessible, it will be more accessible to a wide variety of people who use the route as an entry to and exit from the West End. They include residents grocery-shopping on St. John Street, residents with baby carriages, employees of the Maine Medical Center, bicyclists and recreational users. The cost of the new pathway will be covered by federal Housing Community Development funds and money provided by the Maine Medical Center as part of their expansion agreement with the City. The pathway is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.