Appalachian Community Grant paving begins; Mulberry Street brick vs. paving debate remains unresolved

Mayor Jeffrey Feeney told council Sept. 8 that construction funded by an Appalachian Community Grant will begin during the week of Sept. 8 with milling and paving on Riverside Street, followed by Water Street and other blocks.

The timing matters because a separate debate remains over whether to retain historic brick on a block of Mulberry Street or replace it with paving. Finance Committee discussed resurfacing options and did not reach a conclusion.

Feeney said the grant-funded construction "is starting this week" and described the work as milling and paving on Riverside Street as day one with Water Street next. On Mulberry Street, he said the city has asked construction contractors for alternatives because of the cost difference between re‑laying brick and paving: "I think we're looking at a price difference of about $300,000 for for that single block of Mulberry for brick versus paving." He said contractors were asked whether brick could be hand‑removed and reused to reduce cost.

During committee reports, Councilman Creed said the Finance and Technology Committee discussed resurfacing options for Mulberry Street, including pavers versus paving, and that the committee "did not come to a conclusion" and is seeking more information before making a recommendation.

No final decision on Mulberry Street resurfacing was made at the meeting; council and staff said they will gather more cost options and return with recommendations.

Construction funded by the Appalachian Community Grant will proceed this week on specified streets; the Mulberry Street decision will be deferred pending additional cost information and contractor proposals.