Narberth Borough Council voted to modify the previously bid sidewalk replacement project near the borough park and approved a not-to-exceed cost of $154,000 on Sept. 18.

Why it matters: The work affects sidewalks on Haverford, Wynwood, Windsor and Conway Avenues near a heavily used public park and the borough building. The decision balances cost, aesthetics and longevity by adopting a middle-ground scope between the original bid and a more extensive contractor recommendation.

Background and vote: The sidewalk project had been bid at unit prices with an original total near $149,000. The contractor (Cipollone/Ciccone in the procurement record) later recommended replacing additional contiguous blocks to achieve longer runs of new sidewalk rather than piecemeal saw cuts. That expanded scope pushed the estimate to about $175,000; Cipollone later offered a discount that would have reduced it toward $171,000. Borough staff, the public works superintendent (Tony) and a council member inspected the site together and proposed a mid-range plan priced at approximately $153,000. Council then rounded the authorization to a not-to-exceed $154,000 and approved the motion by voice vote.

Construction details and constraints: Staff said the project includes an upgrade to the concrete thickness in the sidewalk area in front of the borough building where volunteer firefighting vehicles pull up; that area will be poured at 8 inches of concrete rather than the standard 4 inches to reduce future damage. The 8-inch specification was included in the middle-scope estimate.

Schedule and public impacts: Contractors expect to begin the work in October and to take roughly three to four weeks. Council asked staff to avoid active work immediately adjacent to the borough building on election day and to ensure safe pedestrian access while work is underway. Council members also requested public notice to residents about temporary parking and noise impacts; staff agreed to place notices and suggested cones and outreach ahead of closures.

Procurement note: Because the project was bid on unit prices, staff said modifying the scope to increase or decrease linear feet does not require a re-bid; staff may proceed under the original procurement.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract modification with the contractor and provide residents with schedule and parking notices ahead of construction.