In another effort to encourage downtown growth, the Metropolitan Planning Organization will complete a study of some of Casper's central streets.

Even though the final study and recommendations won't be finished until May, Leah Reeb, the organization's planner, gave the Casper City Council an overview of some of the possibilities in a work session on Thursday.

Many of the recommendations focus on improving the area for pedestrian, as well as bicycle traffic and creating some open areas. Reeb will also present the possibility of changing a portion of Beech Street to curve similar to Second Street through downtown. It would only be the section of Beech Street between Collins Drive and Second Street.

That section is often closed in the summer because of festivals and events and it might be even more useful to the public to have a plaza in the area.

Plus, the traffic counts are low in that section, and it's mainly used for The Bus service and entering and exiting the Nicolaysen Art Museum and the Natrona County Public Library.

"You would see more landscaping and would see the entrances into the library, but it would have more of a plaza feel, more open space and space for public use," Reeb said. "It would expand on the different things that happen throughout the year like the Nic Fest and the Farmers' Market, and maybe bring more events to bring the public together in that area."

Another possibility would be to change Wolcott and Durbin streets from one-way to two-way streets. Reeb said the one-way streets have low traffic counts and can often encourage speeding more than a two-way street. Additionally, if traffic flowed in both directions, the businesses along the streets may have more visibility to potential customers.

The enhancements would also focus on connecting bike and walkways to the current pathways.

According to a memo to the council from Community Development Director April Getchius, the final plan should include sketches and three-dimensional models of the concepts.

If the council approves the recommendations, Reeb said the city will begin moving forward with the changes.

"Improving the streets in that area would promote infill development in the empty lots," Reeb said. "If you have a system that is attractive and supports the transportation components and building components, if we can provide a safe street system, then maybe it will encourage growth."

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com