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Director Sullivan says Mohawk Tannery pedestrian bridge will be developer-designed but city-funded; Nimco developer still obligated to build dog park
Summary
Director Sullivan described a roughly $3 million Mohawk Tannery pedestrian bridge that the developer will design and build but the city will ultimately fund, likely through bond authorization; he also said the Nimco master development agreement still obligates the developer to construct a dog park, with forthcoming legislation to set a maximum price and address site constraints.
Director Sullivan told the committee that a pedestrian bridge connecting the Mohawk Tannery redevelopment to Mine Falls Park is estimated at about $3,000,000 and will be designed and constructed by the developer but ultimately funded by the city. Sullivan said approvals from the Mine Falls Park Advisory Committee and the Board of Public Works will be required before construction begins.
Sullivan said the developer’s contract contains timing requirements that make it likely the city will request a bond authorization within the next year. “It is very likely that we will be coming to all of you for a bond authorization at some point in the coming year or two,” he said.
On the Nimco dog park, Sullivan said the master development agreement still obligates the developer to build the park but that staff will present legislation in the coming month to amend language and define a maximum price. He described construction challenges related to the floodway and a nearby radio tower and said city staff and the developer are working to define how to proceed if the preferred design proves impracticable.
Aldermen expressed concern about contractual obligations; one member noted the city has an existing obligation under the development agreement and urged attention to potential costs of changing the contract. Sullivan said the city could change contractual terms but emphasized the public benefits of the bridge and that staff intend to work with the developer on defined parameters.
Sullivan also tied these riverfront projects to the recent Riverfront TIF expansion into the Mill Yard and said the intent is to fund these improvements with TIF revenue rather than general fund dollars.
The committee did not vote on bond authorization or the Nimco amendments during the meeting; Sullivan said staff will return with proposed legislation and details.
