New sidewalks are being constructed throughout Charleston in an effort to improve the look of the city and attract businesses to the city to eventually improve its economy.

The sidewalks are being laid along University Drive, subdivisions near Wal-Mart, and on 15th Street near Charleston High School, said Dean Barber, director of public works and the head of the sidewalk projects.

The contracted company, Schultz Construction, is working on University Drive building sidewalks from Grant Street south to Lincoln Highway.

Schultz Construction began work on the University Drive sidewalks in early September and is expected to complete them by Nov. 15. The sidewalks on University Drive cost $84,990, Barber said.

The sidewalks, which will be laid in the subdivisions near Wal-Mart and the sidewalks on 15th Street near Charleston High School, will be completed by contractor L.R.C.

“The cost for those projects will be split between the developer and the city,” Barber said.

The sidewalk projects are a few of many “Action Plans” listed in Charleston’s five-year plan of work done throughout the city. The plan is devoted to prioritizing and scheduling various projects and work activities over the next five years based upon the needs of the city. The initiatives of the five-year plan are derived from the Charleston Tomorrow Plan and the Comprehensive Plan that are both considered a part of the “big picture” for Charleston.

The intention of the five-year plan is to improve the quality of life of Charleston residents and to allow the city to remain competitive as a municipality.

Several departments other than public works hold plans of action within the five-year plan, which is updated annually to ensure the continuation of each plan and the availability of each person heading the departments.