CCOG-led Safe Streets study awarded; Third Street and property demolition updates given

The Southeastern Council of Governments (CCOG) confirmed that its regional application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Safe Streets and Roads for All" program was awarded; Sophie Johnson said the application was one of two in the state to be selected. The award will fund a planning study that produces a safety action plan; communities in the consortium will receive a report that could support later implementation grant applications for construction funds. Sophie emphasized that "you're not gonna get a new paved road out of this study. It's a study."

Separately, Lance Mayer of DGR Engineering updated the council on Third Street construction: underground utilities are complete, almost all concrete is installed, only one sidewalk segment and a retaining wall remain, and contractor DNG aims for substantial completion on Oct. 4 with punch-list work to follow. Mayer said some asphalt, grading, topsoil and seeding remain and crews will likely need temporary roadway closures to complete seating and paving tasks.

Public Works Director Clarence Jones updated the council on the demolition of property at 105 North Orleans, reporting an initial bid of about $31,200 reduced by $5,000 when no asbestos was found and an estimated net cost in the low $20,000s; he said the lot will be assessed back to the property owner and cleanup and reseeding were completed over roughly 2.5 days.

Council received these informational reports and did not take separate binding action on the Safe Streets award during the public session.