Magnolia close to starting 6th Street extension

The City of Magnolia announced at an Oct. 9 city council meeting that it has received several offers from construction firms regarding the extension of 6th Street through to Unity Park Drive.

The city has received two offers as of mid-October and is waiting for a third before making a decision, said Paul Mendes, city administrator. Mendes said if the city can move forward with the project soon, it may be able to complete it in time for the annual Christmas Parade Dec. 8.

The parade, which is hosted by the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce every year, sets up as a good goal to have the extension finished by, Mendes said.

"It would give [the chamber] another option for a parade route," he said. "They could go down Nichols Sawmill Road and avoid having to get on a major state road like FM 1488."

The 6th Street extension has been identified in the city's comprehensive planning process as a critical step in developing the downtown area by providing a direct connection between The Stroll and Unity Park.

"Those are the two main areas that we are trying to make more attractive within the city," Mendes said. "We view this as a strong move in opening both areas up to more visitors during events and just on a day-to-day basis. It's all a part of creating a more vibrant community."

The 4B community development corporation dedicated $100,000 to the 6th Street extension in its 2012–13 budget. In addition to extending the street, the city wants to repave the existing road as well, which would occur along a similar timeframe.