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Residents, LandAid and council raise concerns about pickleball court design and contractor licensing
Summary
Residents and a LandAid representative told the council the new pickleball slab will sit several inches higher than the existing floor, disrupting events at the Bowery; contractor licensing issues may delay work until Dec. 1 or later, and council discussed leveling options and grant-mandated construction specifications.
Public commenters and council members raised concerns Nov. 20 about the design and timing of a grant-funded pickleball court project at the Bowery.
A LandAid representative said the south half of the Bowery will be about six inches higher than the existing concrete where the pickleball court will be poured, making it difficult to set up chairs and stage events and leaving the community feeling "a little bit deceived" after contributing toward the project. Council members agreed the height disparity could present safety and accessibility problems and noted community-event impacts.
Contractors awarded the CDBG-funded project remain on hold because the winning bidder's business license expired in November; state approval for the contractor is expected after the license is updated on Dec. 1. Councilors discussed the option of delaying heavy concrete work until spring to avoid winter heating requirements and to allow the council to consider funding raising the north half of the slab at the same time to create a level surface across the Bowery.
Council members noted the grant requires construction per specified standards (prestressed, tensioned slab), limiting design changes; staff will investigate whether the other half of the concrete can be removed and repoured or otherwise modified while staying compliant with grant conditions. A council member recommended exploring grant-exempt funding sources or LandAid grant applications to cover costs for leveling the entire area in one operation.
City staff said they would discuss scheduling with the contractor and report back on permit/plat details and options for aligning the surface while preserving grant eligibility.
