By STEVE POWELL

Herald Writer

STANWOOD — A business neighborhood is about to see the light.

And it is already seeing improved sidewalks and a new water main as part of a $140,417 project paid with local taxes.

Old-fashioned lighting is just a part of the project.

"They needed that," said Ron Nicholas, owner of Nicholas Computer Service. "The lighting was pretty shabby looking."

While some business owners complained that their firms are being hurt by the work going on, Nicholas said his business is doing OK.

"It’s a little inconvenient, but we knew they were going to put it in here," he said. "People have just been parking in back."

Charlene Eckberg, owner of Looking Good Barber Shop, agreed.

"It didn’t bother my business," she said.

While there have been a few complaints, public works director Bill Beckman said the city met with affected businesses before starting work so they knew what to expect. The work started the second week of September and is scheduled to be complete Oct. 26.

The work also will include putting in an electrical conduit and building ramps required by the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.

The work is being done on the 8700 block of 271st Street NW. It connects to similar work done previously on 88th Avenue NW.

Beckman said business owners are doing well for the most part, even though barricades have blocked entrances to their stores.

"They’ve been waiting so long," Beckman said, adding it’s been about 25 years. "They’re more willing to work with us."

Beckman said residents also are excited about two other projects in progress.

He said the skateboard park at Heritage Park will be ready in a few weeks.

"It’s barricaded, but they’ve been on it already," Beckman said of eager skateboarders.

Beckman also said a playground set for youngsters will be ready soon.