By Patrick Lynn

The public is invited to a presentation of the Bus. 51 overhaul tonight at Jefferson Elementary School.

The open house format will begin at 5:30 PM and include a brief presentation of the project, which will tear apart and completely redesign the entire stretch of Church and Division Streets in Stevens Point beginning in spring of 2016. The project design could force some property owners and businesses to relocate or close completely, though city and project leaders have said “fewer than 10” such locations will be affected.

Stevens Point Public Works Director Scott Schatschneider, along with officials from engineering firm AECOM, will be on hand to answer questions.

“We want to see if these (proposed changes) are legitimate or not, and to get public input on it,” Schatschneider said.

The overhaul would take place in segments along the road, with access to local business being kept intact and one-lane being closed both ways. A project of this size would have “10-20 contractors” according to Schatschneider.

Bruce Gerland said the proposal to reduce part of Bus. 51 down to 2 lanes is only a proposal, but they can’t change their design without public input.

“We’re starting with an open house format and we’ll have three areas of the gym with displays,” Gerland said. “Those displays will be broken up in the south segment, the central segment and the north segment. We’ll have people there to answer questions. We’re absolutely still taking input- that’s the purpose of tonight’s meeting, to hear from the public, not just the property owners.”