Small Kentucky city makes big strides

AUBURN Ky.- A sidewalk project funded by the Transportation Alternatives Program is the most recent development in Auburn getting the downtown moving in the direction of redevelopment. Mayor Mike Hughes explained the importance of having a walkable route to allow residents safe passage from point A to point B.

“The primary benefit I think safety to school,” Hughes said. “We don’t really have a sidewalk that crosses the railroad tracks that runs through the center of our city. Now we’ll have a sidewalk that crosses at a crossing arm for our citizens to cross. The sidewalk will also connect to the newer more rapidly growing portion of our city.”

This new project is only one of the many up and coming developments in Auburn. Workers and citizens both recognize the growth taking place in the city, including the city park and fire department, adding to the overall quality of life.

“The people who live here should be very proud of what they’ve got. They should be happy for what they have. There’s a lot of great potential here in Auburn,” said director of Auburn Senior Center MaryAnn Henry.

“We have facilities here that I don’t think many small towns have. The park is a major attraction here,” said resident Jack Insco.

With the current developments and the support of the citizens, Hughes sees Auburn as not only gracious but also growing.

“I see us growing, I hope at a very manageable rate and a very manageable pace. I think we’re positioning ourselves for that growth. We’re going to do everything we can to encourage and incentivize that growth,” Hughes said.