Resident raises mosquito and access concerns as Park City construction delays continue

Bob Darnell told the Park City Council on Sept. 23 that standing water behind his property at 1618 East Lancaster Drive and incomplete grass cleanup are creating mosquito problems and nuisance vegetation, and he asked why barricades on Park Avenue remain in place when no work appears to be happening. City staff member Gina told the council the project has been slowed by an unusually rainy season and by water-line lowering work that must be completed before crews can finish grading and install box culverts. “One of the concerns I’ll address the road closure first. One of the concerns there is that they have started getting into structural things. And so, I’m not sure that the integrity would be there to allow people to safely pass through,” Gina said. She said some areas have been dammed to keep working surfaces dry because the channel carries drainage from Park Center and the Prairie Hills subdivision into Village Estates. The staff response explained the overall project is long-term and has been pushed by wet weather; the work is anticipated to continue into late this year or early next year. Gina also said city public works has mosquito dunks available and that the county health department distributes dunks as well. The city offered to place dunks where standing water occurs. Council members did not take further action at the meeting; the exchange occurred during the public forum and the staff report. No motion or formal directive to change the closure practices was recorded.