Commission hears updates on quiet crossings, railroad approvals and local construction

At the July 15 meeting the Hastings Planning Commission received several staff updates on infrastructure and development.

Public works staff reported that most quiet railroad crossings are complete except for cleanup at three locations and remaining work at Colorado Avenue and Elm Street. Staff said final activation requires a diagnostic review and approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and that any work by the railroad will be scheduled on the railroad’s timeline.

Building and development staff reported active residential construction across town, with multiple apartment projects moving toward occupancy: one Elm project’s first apartments are scheduled to open Aug. 1 and another building opened in early July. Staff said contractors remain busy and the city is processing foundations and building work.

Commission members also welcomed new alternate Commissioner Craig Hubbard and Ainsley Powell, a new paralegal in the city attorney’s office, who are now attending commission meetings.

Fire department staff reported a quiet fireworks season with only minor incidents (a dumpster and a field fire) and no major injuries reported in the meeting remarks.

These items were informational updates; no formal actions were taken.