Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Drains Sidewalks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Keene council directs staff to study options for Eastern Street flooding, sidewalks and a bridge
Summary
Councilors asked staff to pursue cost estimates and funding options after staff presented three options — a short bridge, a storm‑drain reconstruction, and multi‑block sidewalks — with estimated costs ranging from about $120,000 for a bridge to more than $1 million for a full drainage fix and sidewalks.
Keene officials discussed recurring water accumulation at the intersection of Eastern Street and First Street and directed staff to pursue more detailed cost estimates and funding routes after a presentation on possible fixes.
Public works staff and the city engineer outlined three tiers of work: a relatively small engineered crossing (an elevated pedestrian/utility bridge and local protection) estimated around $120,000; a more extensive storm‑drain and intersection reconstruction to prevent backflow and manage upstream runoff estimated roughly $710,000; and a full reconstruction including sidewalks from Eastern to Pecan and beyond that the city estimated could approach $1.25–1.3 million for the most comprehensive option.
Councilors and staff discussed alternatives, including extending First Street to Fir Street to provide a turnaround for emergency vehicles, and whether a shorter bridge or targeted sidewalk work should proceed first. Several council members said they preferred pursuing sidewalks now while seeking grants and larger funding for the drainage work; staff noted some sidewalk segments are eligible for state grant programs and that a bridge could be incorporated later if a larger project is funded.
Staff will refine estimates, explore grant options such as CDBG and TWDB‑eligible programs for storm drains, and carry project priorities into the upcoming budget workshops.
