Hudson council previews Franklin Street sidewalk and waterline project, plus curb and resurfacing work

Council staff on Tuesday detailed plans to advertise competitive bids for several public-works projects, including a Franklin Street waterline replacement paired with a new sidewalk intended to improve safety for students near Aurora Street, and curb-inlet work near Heinen's on Clinton Street.

Brad, a city staff member, said the Franklin Street sidewalk "was born out of a traffic safety concern about 5 years ago" for students crossing at Aurora Street and the middle‑school entrance. He told council the project was delayed during design when staff discovered "Franklin Street was never dedicated" as a public city street, requiring legal petitions with property owners and court action before design could be finalized. Brad said the city plans to align construction with the summer school break and that the school district will cost‑share on the sidewalk portion.

Patricia, who had met with residents on Franklin Street, said residents were "pleased with how the city dealt with them" but that one homeowner had asked for replacement trees after the project. Brad said staff had included replacing the impacted tree and "I think we actually have 2 or 3 trees going back in."

On Clinton Street, council reviewed a resolution to advertise for new curb inlets at Heinen's rear entrance after a winter water‑main break flooded the store's loading dock. Mike (council) summarized the incident and the city's approach: repair the water line, raise the driveway grade to keep water in the street, and add a catch basin to tie to the storm system rather than allow water into the loading dock. Brad said the curb replacement will be coordinated with a planned consolidation of Heinen's parking‑lot driveways, which staff concluded would improve safety.

Council also considered a cooperation and cost‑sharing resolution with the city of Stowe for resurfacing Seasons Road, which lies on the municipal border. Staff noted the shared jurisdiction and expected split responsibilities.

All three items were discussed as resolutions that would authorize the city manager to advertise for competitive bids and to enter into contracts; council did not take formal votes at the workshop. The Franklin Street and related projects were placed on the consent agenda for the council meeting on Jan. 20, 2026.

Next steps: staff will finalize bid documents, coordinate timing with the school district and county sewer schedules, and return the items for formal action at the regular council meeting.