Resident says unannounced street work left driveway gap, removed curbing on Kent and Bradford avenues

During communications from the floor, resident Richard Emery of 2504 Kent Avenue told the council the city’s street crew began work on Kent and Bradford avenues early on a recent Friday without advance notice to homeowners.

Emery said crews were at his door at about 7:30 a.m., that his street signage and vehicle markings did not identify the workers as city staff, and that no prior written notice (for example a mailed postcard or a sign placed in the neighborhood the previous night) alerted residents. He said the crew removed paving, leaving a 3-to-4-inch gap between the end of his driveway and the street and took out chunks of curbing. Emery said he had photos and that the crew also cut limbs from his tree without asking for permission.

After multiple calls, Emery said a street-department supervisor came to inspect and agreed to place a temporary ramp but told Emery the ramp would be removed before paving on Tuesday and said the department would not replace curbing. Emery said workers told him the street “came up” on a list and that residents must be “fluent” (his quoted wording) about scheduling; Emery said he expected advance notice by postcard or posted placard.

A council representative told Emery the mayor was present and that the concern would be forwarded to the mayor’s office. Emery said he had photographs and would provide them to the mayor.

No formal action or motion addressing Emery’s complaint was recorded in the meeting minutes; the council’s response in the transcript was to note the mayor’s presence and to forward the concern to the mayor’s office for follow-up.