BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The City of Bellingham is moving ahead with a new project to revitalize a part of the Old Town neighborhood.

City Councilmembers voted 5-0 with two members absent at the Monday, April 15 meeting to approve the $3 million project.  The city has been updating and renovating other areas of the Old Town area but needed additional funding to finish the project.

A total of five and a half blocks are a part of the project’s final phase, encompassing parts of C, D, and E Streets as well as Astor Street.

The original plan only would’ve allowed the city to work on the C and D Streets.

Improvements will include new sidewalks and curbs, moving utilities underground and more streetlights installed. A half-block of property within the proposed construction zone will also be dedicated to future affordable housing.

The full project in Old Town is expected to take up to 10 years to complete.