VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A project to widen sidewalks, install bump outs and new traffic control signals along Central Avenue in downtown Valley City is getting mixed reviews by the local business owners if construction for the project is approved.

Nancy and Paul Hilborn own Empire Home Furnishings. Nancy doesn’t support the project.

Doreen Sayler is the owner of Central Avenue Health Mart Pharmacy. She believes the project will benefit downtown businesses.

A survey by reporter Steve Urness found that five downtown business owners are for the project and four are against it.

Last month, a Valley City resident asked the Southeast Judicial District Court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order against the city. The complaint said irreparable harm will be done to downtown merchants if the project moves forward.

Valley City was selected for Governor Burgum’s Main Street Initiative which focuses on revitalizing downtown business districts.

Under the proposal, 80 percent of the project will be paid for by the state, with 20 percent covered by the city. Valley City officials say there will be no special assessments for downtown business owners. The estimated cost $1.5 million.