Council awards pedestrian-improvement contract for Albany/Crosson intersection; accessibility advocates press for added ADA features

Atlantic City approved a contract to Think Pavers Hardscaping LLC for pedestrian-safety and intersection improvements at Albany and Crosson avenues, a project described in council materials as funded by a Safe Streets grant.

Council members praised the detailed backup in the bid packet but asked whether the grant amount and engineer’s estimate left room for additional accessibility enhancements such as tactile indicators, upgraded pedestrian signals or audible push-button devices. "I just don't see any of that in the backup," Councilman Kurtz said, urging staff to verify whether the engineer’s estimate and bid amounts would allow for incremental accessibility improvements.

City staff and the project manager said the awarded scope covered concrete, asphalt and pedestrian improvements consistent with the grant award; staff said the grant funding was limited and the estimated costs constrained what could be included. One administration representative said the grant award level and bid results did not leave sufficient funding for extensive signal upgrades or audio devices.

Discussion versus decision: The contract award is a formal procurement action (contract awarded to Think Pavers). Council discussion noted the city’s obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and asked staff to confirm whether the project could include additional accessibility elements within the grant or via supplemental funding. Staff asked council members to follow up with project managers about what could be added within the existing budget or through future amendments.

Implementation: With the contract award, the city will proceed to preconstruction scheduling and work on sidewalks, crosswalks and pavement. Council members asked for follow-up on whether minor accessibility items could be added and for documentation of the engineer’s estimate and funding sources used to scope the work.