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Commission delays action on Brookside staircase special assessment amid historic-preservation and ADA concerns
Summary
The commission opened a public hearing on a Staircase special-assessment district tied to retaining-wall replacement but voted to adjourn consideration until the retaining-wall project returns for full review; residents asked the city to preserve historic stairs and address vegetation loss.
A public hearing on the Staircase special assessment district — part of the 2025–26 asphalt resurfacing program — drew neighborhood testimony about historic staircases, vegetation and pedestrian character on Brookside and adjacent streets.
City Engineer Melissa Coda described the program (mill-and-overlay, crack sealing, sidewalk and retaining-wall replacement) and explained that the city owns the retaining wall and would replace it at city expense; individual staircases through the wall would be built only at a resident’s request and be fully assessed to that resident. She said the cost per riser was $2,500 and that retaining-wall replacement costs were estimated in the seven‑figure range.
John Miller and other nearby residents said many staircases date to 1915–1920 and form an important historic and walkability element of the neighborhood; Miller objected to an assessment for the staircase in front of his house and suggested the city should pay to retain neighborhood character. Commissioners questioned whether the SAD could be determined necessary before the city approves the retaining-wall project and whether ADA compliance requires replacement with ramps.
Commissioner Host moved to adjourn the staircase SAD matter and reconsider it when the retaining-wall project is presented so that staircase necessity can be evaluated in the full project context. The motion passed (roll call recorded in the minutes). The public hearing record remains open for the retaining-wall and resurfacing project, with a confirmation step to follow when the full project scope and costs are presented to the commission.
