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Council approves 2018 alley blacktopping after residents urge action
Summary
After a public hearing, the Common Council approved a Public Works resolution to blacktop multiple alleys in 2018 following testimony from nearby residents who described deep potholes, mud and dust problems and accessibility concerns for elderly and disabled neighbors.
The Common Council on Sept. 19 approved a Public Works resolution authorizing blacktopping of several city alleys in 2018 after a public hearing in which nearby residents urged the work.
Residents who live adjacent to the affected alleys described chronic mud, dust and potholes that are damaging property and making passage difficult for vulnerable neighbors. "As it currently exists, our alley is typically a muddy or dusty mess," said Deb Davani, secretary of the Roosevelt Terrace Condominium Association, reading a letter from the association. Davani said the block contains about "85 housing units" and that paving would especially benefit elderly and disabled residents.
Paul Gramala of 1326 Cedar Avenue told councilors the alley between Cedar and Hill experiences significant dust and water problems and expressed neighborhood support for blacktopping. David Bridal of 1309 East 8th Street said he counted "38 potholes where the blacktop is broken," with some up to "7 inches deep," and urged approval to prevent drivers from riding onto lawns to avoid damaged sections.
Councilor Kern moved to approve the resolution; Councilor Fennessy seconded. Councilor Van Sickle voiced support but cautioned that pavement can sometimes increase vehicle speeds near residences with vulnerable adults. After brief council discussion, the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The motion carried.
The resolution as introduced listed specific alley segments read into the record by Public Works, including: 13th and 14th Avenues East between East 7th and East 8th Streets; North 14th and Belknap Streets between Hill Cedar and Hill Avenues; North 21st and North 22nd Streets between Tower and Ogden Avenue; 19th and 20th Avenues East between East 6th and East 7th Streets; half a block north of North 14th Street at Cedar and Hill Avenues; and North 18th and 19th Streets between Missouri and Maryland Avenues.
The council voted by voice; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting record. The resolution will allow Public Works to include the listed alleys in the 2018 paving program.
