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Residents press Hyde Park over Center Street work, sewer damage and traffic safety
Summary
Neighbors told the City Council that recent Center Street construction has left driveways impassable, a sewer service crushed, and steep curb approaches that may damage vehicles; staff said paving is rescheduled, engineers will review elevations and the safety committee will address speeding and crossing concerns.
Several Hyde Park residents urged the City Council on Oct. 22 to act after recent Center Street construction, saying curb-and-gutter work and new utility lines have caused property damage, unsafe driveway approaches and traffic hazards.
"It's cost us $4,000 to make those repairs," said Blaine, who provided the council a written handout documenting claims that new curbs slope sharply and a new water pipe sits within an inch of an existing sewer service, which a neighbor said led to a crushed sewer line and basement sewage backup. "If construction is not completed according to Hyde Park City code, what contingency plan is in place for affected residents along Center Street?" he asked.
Cody Johnson told the council he had been assured by engineers the sidewalk and curb would match, but said curbs were "poured up over the bridge," leaving some driveways impassable and creating safety problems for neighbors who cannot exit their homes. Brad Atkinson said crews compacted backfill without verification and that the new water line and sewer service are dangerously close: "There's less than a half inch gap between that blue line to my sewer line," he said, warning of future failures as compaction continues.
Janice Rowland and other residents separately raised traffic-safety concerns at the 450 North/7th East intersection, describing visibility problems at the crest of a hill and speed measurements they say show a median speed above the 25 mph limit. "The median speed was 33.5," Rowland said, saying 93% of drivers in a sample exceeded 25 mph.
City staff and council members responded that they are pursuing multiple tracks. Marcus, a city staff member, said Sunrise, the contractor, reported a paving delay because a paver broke down and that asphalt was rescheduled for Friday; he said substantial completion is expected next week but warned the city is still assessing whether contract remedies or compensation are appropriate. "The contract does allow for the city, if we can prove that there's damages that the city is sustaining by going over schedule," Marcus said.
The council also directed its safety committee to gather data and recommend measures to slow traffic. Staff offered ballpark equipment costs: radar speed signs about $3,000–$4,000 each, and flashing crosswalk signs roughly $5,000 per sign (about $10,000 per pair). Council members said they will seek the school district's traffic plan and consider interim traffic controls, including a stop or flashing signs.
Council members promised to follow up with the contractor and to provide residents additional information when available. Marcus said staff will compile specific answers about drainage, whether the old drain under 2nd East will be removed, and which party (contractor or city) will be responsible for documented damages. Residents were told the city will work to coordinate a response and notify neighborhood contacts when more details are confirmed.
Next steps: staff will inspect the reported sewer-service issues and curb elevations with Sunrise and engineering staff; the safety committee will analyze speed data and return recommendations to the council; and staff said they will communicate updates to the affected residents once inspections and potential remedies are identified.
