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Commission approves special assessment for North Old Woodward sewer and water laterals after residents raise parking and loitering concerns
Summary
City engineers presented the North Old Woodward sewer and water lateral project (Oak Street to Woodward) and recommended 100% lateral replacement costs assessed to property owners; commissioners approved the necessity and set a confirmation hearing for June 22, 2026 while residents raised concerns about expanded parking attracting loitering.
The city heard a presentation on the North Old Woodward project—which will replace century‑old water mains and sewer laterals, add parking spaces and repave—before adopting a resolution declaring the project necessary and directing staff to prepare a special assessment roll.
Engineering staff said some water mains date to 1925 and parts of the sewer system to the 1940s; replacements will include open‑cut segments where pipes are in poor condition and directional drilling where utilities allow. The city’s policy requires replacement of sewer laterals older than 50 years and water services older than 60 years; the proposed assessment formula charges property owners 100% of the contractor’s cost for replacing the lateral within the public right of way, with lump‑sum or installment payments available.
Resident Beth Blaster told the commission she worries that adding parking spaces will remove trees and attract groups who currently congregate near the mobil station to use the spaces as informal break areas; she urged the city to consider measures to prevent loitering and maintain trees. Staff said police had investigated similar complaints and that expanded parking is a design decision taken earlier in the project. Several speakers asked whether trees would be removed and asked about mitigation; engineering staff said no trees on the west side were planned for removal and explained that east‑side tree impacts would be evaluated.
Commissioners approved the resolution by roll call (unanimous) and scheduled a confirmation hearing for June 22, 2026.
The engineering presentation included per‑lineal‑foot replacement cost estimates and noted special construction constraints where utility cabinets require horizontal directional drilling (for example at condo associations on North Old Woodward). The administration said bids were received May 28 and interest rates for installment assessments will be confirmed at the confirmation hearing.
