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City approves $87,532 contract for preliminary Quincy Street railroad‑crossing design
Summary
The Redevelopment Authority approved a $87,532 agreement with ARS Associate Inc. to produce up to 30% preliminary design for Quincy Street railroad‑crossing safety work using TID 21 funds to comply with an order from the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads.
The Redevelopment Authority approved a $87,532 professional services agreement with ARS Associate Inc. to complete preliminary (30%) design work for railroad‑crossing safety improvements along the Quincy Street corridor.
Valerie Houston of the Department of Public Works said the work is required to respond to an order from the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads and will focus on safety upgrades — gates, signals and related crossing improvements — rather than repaving the driving surface. "This is for just up until like 30% design, not the full design," Houston said.
Council members and staff said the city is coordinating with the railroad but has the legal obligation to comply because the order is directed to the municipality. Alder Henis asked whether the railroad would contribute; staff said no commitment has been made but the city is exploring possibilities.
Staff noted funding will come from Tax Incremental District (TID) 21, which has roughly $3.2 million available (staff estimate) for public improvements. The agreement was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will proceed with preliminary design and further coordination with the railroad and industrial stakeholders; a future agenda will cover later design phases and any partner funding commitments.
