Public pushes back on sidewalks as city advances Douglas Avenue water‑main reconstruction

The city commission discussed the Douglas Avenue water‑main reconstruction and planned sidewalk installation from 19th Street to 20 First Street on July 28, with staff describing the project as a combined water‑main replacement and street/sidewalk work and neighborhood residents urging the commission to follow state notice and assessment procedures before installing new sidewalk.

City Manager Amy Leon told the commission the project was moved into the capital improvement schedule after staff determined the cast‑iron main in the area needed replacement and the street condition required earlier repair. She said the contractor bid was awarded by the commission earlier this year and staff has issued a notice to proceed. “This project came up to the commission in 2022… our engineering staff found out that it's cast iron water main in that area, and that's the oldest type of water main we have,” Leon said.

Why it matters: Residents said the sidewalk component — shown in design maps as a new path close to the curb on the west side…