Escanaba City Council on Aug. 7 approved a special-assessment resolution to pave a 30-foot-wide section of Second Avenue South off South Nineteenth Street following a petition from neighboring property owners. Administration said the petition was initiated by the residents on that unimproved street and that the costs will be allocated proportionally by front footage.

During public comment, resident David Bugay questioned how assessed properties were selected and why his property, which is not on Second Avenue nor the west side of South Nineteenth Street, was included. City staff explained the special-assessment process: a petition form is available at Public Works or the engineering department, and if owners representing more than 50% of front footage sign, the petition moves to the planning commission and council for consideration and the cost is allocated by front footage.

Council opened and closed the public hearing and approved the assessment by roll call. Staff encouraged residents interested in paving unimproved streets or alleys to consult Public Works to begin the petition process.