Board grants short sidewalk-permit extensions for Poplars development; staff will continue negotiating pedestrian detour

The Board of Public Works on July 15 approved permit extensions through Aug. 25, 2025, for sidewalk closures adjacent to the Poplars development on Grant Street and on North Dunn Street, while staff continues to work with the developer on a pedestrian detour.

Kyle Ball (engineering) said FA Wilhelm requested an extension of an approved sidewalk-closure permit on the east side of Grant Street to Aug. 25 and that staff recommended approval. On the Dunn Street side, staff said Wilhelm originally sought a closure into May 2026; staff "reemphasize[d] that we would not support that request" and negotiated a matching Aug. 25, 2025 extension to give the developer time to refine its pedestrian plan.

Staff advised the board that the main outstanding issue is locating the temporary pedestrian route safely. A board member summarized the schedule and said the board would likely revisit the item on or about the August 18 meeting as staff and the developer refine the detour plan.

Staff also noted that FA Wilhelm holds a contract for snow removal during winter months for the site. The board approved the Grant Street and Dunn Street extension requests by roll call; Roach and Caron recorded "aye" for Grant Street and Roach and Perrone recorded "aye" for Dunn Street, and both motions passed.

Board members and staff emphasized the extension is a short-term measure: staff expects another request could be filed if a longer closure becomes necessary, but that the city does not support an open-ended closure into 2026 at this time.