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Great Falls details $3.5 million 8th Avenue NW reconstruction; staff to ask removal of about 17 right‑of‑way encroachments
Summary
City staff briefed the Commission on a $3.5 million 8th Avenue NW reconstruction (11th–14th Street NW) that will include water‑main replacement, sidewalk infill and curb work; staff identified roughly 17 right‑of‑way encroachments, set a July 24 target for removal and said contractors may remove items with costs billed to property owners if necessary.
City Engineer Jesse Patton told the Great Falls City Commission on June 2 that the 8th Avenue NW reconstruction project is a $3.5 million street and water‑main improvement that will replace aging pavement and water infrastructure, add sidewalks, and upgrade curb and gutter. Construction is planned to begin with water‑main work in 2026, followed by street reconstruction in 2027.
The project team identified approximately 17 encroachments — including fences, landscaping, nonconforming driveway access and trees — within the three‑block project area that conflict with planned sidewalk and utility work, Sr. Civil Engineer Amanda Brownlee said. "Approximately 17 encroachments have been identified within the three‑block project area," Brownlee said, and staff will notify affected owners before construction.
Mayor Cory Reeves confirmed after consulting the Post Office that mailboxes in the project area will not be treated as encroachments and will remain in place. City Engineer Patton said staff will begin notifying property owners through project notices, individualized letters, field marking of right‑of‑way boundaries, door hangers and social media; owners will be asked to remove encroachments before construction begins.
If encroachments are not removed and they interfere with the work, Patton said, "the contractor would remove them as necessary to complete the work, rather than using public funds to relocate private improvements." When asked about cost recovery, Patton said staff has coordinated with Finance and Legal: "The property owner will be asked to reimburse the City, or a lien will be placed on the property for the cost that it took to remove the improvements in the right‑of‑way." He added staff will work with property owners who request a boulevard encroachment if it does not interfere with the sidewalk.
Commissioners raised concerns that some property owners may not realize improvements extend into the public right‑of‑way and that longtime encroachments could create expectations of permanence. Planning and Community Development Director Brock Cherry said the city does not require a fence permit, so some fences are constructed without an inspection point that would otherwise catch location errors. City Attorney David Dennis told the Commission that arguments based on prior nonenforcement or longstanding conditions would not legally prevent the city from enforcing right‑of‑way requirements.
Commissioner Casey Schreiner asked whether affected properties include rentals; Patton said the department does not yet know and will investigate when outreach begins. City Manager Greg Doyon urged direct, face‑to‑face outreach and recommended staff explore whether local nonprofits or volunteers could help owners who cannot afford removal or could assist salvaging materials. Patton said staff will set a target date of July 24 for owners to remove encroachments but will work with residents who are addressing the issue and adjust timelines if needed. He also noted the project contractor may be able to assist in relocating some items at lower cost because crews and equipment will already be on site.
The Commission did not take formal action at the work session; staff presented the project and outlined outreach and enforcement options. The Commission directed staff to continue public engagement and report back with additional details as outreach proceeds.
