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Council reviews $2.8M design for South 32nd sidewalk; residents raise flooding and property‑impact concerns
Summary
Design staff presented a 60% plan for a 5‑foot sidewalk with curb, gutter and drainage improvements on South 32nd Street. The project is presented as fully funded (~$2.8M) through NVTA and VDOT revenue sharing. Several residents urged delaying construction until chronic sewer and stormwater backup issues are resolved.
Engineering staff presented the South 32nd Street sidewalk improvements during a design public hearing at the July 8 meeting. The proposed work would construct a 5‑foot sidewalk on the east side of South 32nd Street, add curb and gutter, new drainage systems and crosswalks at J Street, I Street and Nursery Avenue, and require easements across nine parcels.
"The product is fully funded through two sources with $1,500,000 from NVTA and then about $1,200,000 from VDOT through revenue sharing funds," said Mark Phillips, the Kimley‑Horn design project manager. Staff estimated preliminary design and construction funding totaling approximately $2,800,000, with 90% design completion by the end of 2025 and construction anticipated in 2027 following right‑of‑way and utility work.
During public comment, resident Roger Wright urged the council not to proceed with sidewalk construction until the town addresses recurring sewer and stormwater backups he said have damaged his property for decades. Wright described multiple backups and said temporary repairs have not solved the upstream problem.
Council members asked staff to investigate Wright’s account and return with maintenance records and additional analysis. Engineering staff acknowledged inflow from storm systems into manholes may be a factor and said staff would coordinate with maintenance crews to determine the appropriate remedial work and whether it must occur before or concurrently with sidewalk construction.
Other residents supported the sidewalk but asked staff to manage construction impacts: David Wood said utility and contractor vehicles have compacted his front yard during recent work; Brian Lesnick proposed adding a crosswalk at Davis Drive to improve pedestrian safety near a bus stop. Council asked staff to follow up with specifics about parking mitigation, crosswalk feasibility, and the proposed easement acquisitions.
No final council vote was held; the hearing record remains open for written comments through July 18, 2025.
