Maplewood council orders $11.9 million street improvement project, sets $1.9M in property assessments

Maplewood — The Maplewood City Council on Feb. 23 voted to order the 2026 Maplewood Street Improvements (City Project 25‑21), authorizing design and moving the project toward contract award in May. Council members moved to approve the resolution after a public hearing in which residents raised both support and concern about property assessments.

Staff told the council the project covers about 4.4 miles across two neighborhoods — a Walter Beam area slated for pavement reclamation and a County Road C area scheduled for full reconstruction — and is estimated at just under $11,900,000. "These streets average just a 37 out of 100," Assistant City Engineer John Girosch said, summarizing pavement conditions and the need for either pavement reclamation or full replacement and associated storm‑sewer and utility work.

Why it matters: the project combines major roadway, drainage, water and sanitary upgrades in a single program. Funding proposed in staff slides includes roughly 50% from general obligation bonds and the street revitalization fund, about $2.4 million for drainage improvements from the environmental utility fund, Saint Paul Regional Water contributing about $890,000 for water upgrades, the sanitary sewer fund covering roughly 6%, and assessments to benefiting properties of just over $1.9 million.

During public comment, residents voiced mixed views. Jonathan Busing of Coleman Avenue said he supports reconstruction because the street lacks a proper base but opposed sidewalks in his block: "I favor the project, although I feel that sidewalks would be a little bit too much," he said. Sven Mueller of Frank Street asked whether the work could be done without additional assessments and said his street looked to be in good condition after a skim overlay.

Staff responded to questions about lead service lines, outreach and warranty. Girosch said crews will coordinate with St. Paul Regional Water on any lead‑pipe replacements found in the right‑of‑way and clarified that the current proposal does not include new sidewalks in the neighborhood. He said the contractor warranty period is one year after acceptance and that pavement will be constructed in two lifts (a 2‑inch base layer and a 1.5‑inch top layer, 3.5 inches total).

Next steps: after the council ordered the improvements, staff said a contract would be awarded in May if the project proceeds. Project construction is scheduled for June–November, with an assessment hearing planned for September and a third neighborhood meeting for residents before construction. The council’s motion to order the project was moved by Council Member Juneman and seconded by Council Member Lee; the mayor announced the motion carried.