Crews with the Alabama Department of Transportation began their two-week project Monday of restriping the parking spaces, turning lanes, crosswalks and dividing lines along Selma’s Broad Street and the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The project is what is said to be the first in a series of projects to begin “sprucing up” Selma’s downtown ahead of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Over the coming months, we are expecting to see projects — both big and small — being done to improve the overall image of the historic downtown district before thousands of visitors make their way to town.

While many of these projects are being funded by the city of Selma and other regional and state agencies, it is also important that our downtown businesses, building owners and residents remember they should also chip in.

From vacant storefronts that could use a fresh coat of paint, to the Teppers Building that we expect will be wrapped in the most updated Lowes building wrap, there is work to be done that is not the responsibility of the state, the county or the city.

For this anniversary to have the long-lasting and significant economic impact many believe it will have, we must ensure that the impressions these visitors have of our city is a positive one.

But, we cannot wait until the last minute.

Today we thank the efforts already under way and the plans in place by the city and the state. We appreciate them for setting the pace that we now expect others to follow.