Council approves 2026 Bronx Park pavement project, narrows boulevard on 29th Street (4–1)

Engineering staff presented the 2026 pavement management project for Ward 1 (Bronx Park), asking the council to adopt a resolution establishing the project, approve plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids, and to install no‑parking signs on the north side of 29th Street between Louisiana and Brunswick.

Aaron Wiesen of the engineering department reviewed staff recommendations, design standards and neighborhood‑specific considerations. He said the city applies a Living Streets policy and recommended 5‑foot sidewalks where appropriate and a minimal 4‑foot boulevard to preserve trees and driveways; staff noted that selected locations could be narrowed to 3 feet where necessary. Wiesen told the council the updated estimate for the entire project is $8,700,000 and that additional design and construction tasks related to updated recommendations could increase costs by an estimated $150,000–$200,000; bids are expected to open in April.

Council discussion focused on emergency access and snow storage, driveway impacts, and how much on‑street parking is needed in a neighborhood where many homes rely on alley access. One council member moved to approve the project as recommended with a single modification to change the boulevard from 0–4 feet to 0–3 feet and to post no‑parking signage on the north side of 29th Street. After debate, the council adopted the resolution as amended; the motion passed 4–1.

Staff said that if the low bid exceeds the capital improvement plan budget, staff will return with options to reduce costs and that construction and design schedules assume bids and permitting proceed on the timeline presented.