Sept. 7. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Town Board unanimously approved a $165,000 contract with Dewberry Engineers to design several  infrastructure improvements in the Smithville community.

They’re part of the multimillion-dollar Smithville Revitalization Plan which includes $3 million from the town and $3 million from Mecklenburg County.

The design process should take between eight to 10 months. The improvements include:
1. Extending South Hill Street to Nannie Potts Lane
2. Upgrading South Hill Street with curb and gutter and a sidewalk.
3. Curb and gutter on South Ferry Street and Vivian Lane.
4. Curb and gutter on Smithville Lane and Weathers Street.

Once design is complete, the town will likely need to acquire Right-of-Way from property owners, which is estimated to take 12 additional months. “The Town’s goal is to eventually bid all four projects under one construction contract” Assistant Town Manager Tyler Beardsley said.