Committee forwards Blackstone contract amendment for downtown streetscape; final striping, ADA and utility coordination discussed

The finance committee on April 7 forwarded to the full council an amendment to the contract with Blackstone Construction LLC to modify the downtown streetscape project scope to improve traffic and pedestrian safety and to add drainage improvements. Staff said the project is already budgeted and that the amendment is intended to finalize remaining holdouts with utilities and to allow Blackstone to pay subcontractors (notably Ritter Communications).

Bla Newman, the city engineer, told the committee the striping package will be brought back for final approval; the concept includes durable thermoplastic striping for asphalt areas and MMA materials for concrete sections, and the design contemplates a brick-pattern thermoplastic treatment at crosswalks. Don, the construction manager with Blackstone, said the striping had been bid twice with no bidders and that the project team is working within allowances to find a vendor and stay within budget.

Council members pressed staff on ADA parking accommodations; Newman said the number and location of ADA spaces were adjusted in the revised plans and will be reflected in the final striping package. Members also discussed coordination with telecoms and utilities, timing for signal adjustments (items required by ARDOT) and a likely timeline of several weeks to complete heavy construction and a few additional weeks for finishing items.

The committee moved and seconded the amendment and forwarded it to the full council with a recommendation of approval.