Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nevada City approves $59,911 change order for Broad Street improvements after resident safety concerns
Summary
The council approved a $59,911 change order to Hansen Brothers to complete Broad Street Y improvements, including retaining wall work, sidewalk adjustments, drainage fixes and street lighting; residents had urged improved night lighting and temporary measures for Halloween.
The Nevada City Council voted 5‑0 on Sept. 24 to approve a change order not to exceed $59,911 for the Broad Street Y improvements, responding in part to resident concerns about nighttime safety and drainage.
Staff explained the change order to Hansen Brothers covers construction items discovered during the initial phase: retaining wall repairs, raised curbs/sidewalk adjustments, cobble concrete in ADA crossing paths, and modifications to divert rainwater so the new pavement will not direct runoff into private properties. The work also includes extending street lighting along Broad from Commercial to the Y to address resident safety concerns.
Resident Rick Batty, speaking during public comment, praised the project but said nighttime conditions near the church and first traffic signal were a ‘‘black hole’’ and urged that lighting be installed before heavy pedestrian nights such as Halloween. Batty suggested temporary lighting or a traffic officer for the holiday.
Council and staff discussed curb options (angled vs. rolled), ADA path adjustments across the Y intersection, and how the design will be tapered for emergency vehicles. Staff said some choices represent a small net savings because granite borders previously proposed were removed and the rolled curb solution both calms traffic and reduces material cost.
Council Member Peterson moved to approve the change order; Council Member Fernandez seconded. Roll call recorded unanimous approval.
Why it matters: The additional work and funding are intended to finish a long‑running downtown improvement project, address resident safety complaints, and avoid unintended drainage impacts to adjacent properties. Staff said the change order will be funded from previously authorized state and local funds, including Measure M appropriations.
Next steps: Staff will execute the change order, continue coordination with nonprofits and the chamber for plantings in bulb‑outs, and report back if additional adjustments are required. Residents seeking technical details were directed to follow up with the city’s engineering staff.
