Sidewalk construction still debated by city commission
A sidewalk-construction issue was
raised once again by city commissioners at Monday night's meeting.
Commissioners voted to spend $17,865 to pave most
of the north side of Pickard Street from Bradley to Mission streets.
The remaining cost will be absorbed by residents.
The part of the road to remain unpaved is located
in front of Coyne Oil Corp., 914 W. Pickard St.
The company's owner, David Coyne, said at a previous
meeting that he did not want sidewalk in front of his property because
it is an industrial area, not a pedestrian area.
Commissioner Adam Miller said he did not agree with
paving that area and would not vote for it.
"I'm not convinced that safety will be improved,"
he said. "We should be looking at sidewalks in the neighborhoods. It
seemed like the place to start was with the family."
Miller also said he received 12 phone calls from
residents who were mostly opposed to the pavement.
"They put forth valid arguments," he said.
Commissioner Mike Pittsley said he supported the
pavement because of the high pedestrian and vehicle traffic in that
area.
"Folks, there's paths there," he said. "There wouldn't
be paths there if it wasn't used. A sidewalk is very inexpensive compared
to a human life."
The commission voted to construct the sidewalk, but
not in front of Coyne's property.
In other news:
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The city received an award for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The award was presented to City Treasurer Mary Ann Kornexl.
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The commissioners voted to grant payment in lieu of taxes to MHT Housing for its apartment project, Chase Run II. This will exempt MHT from paying taxes for the building. MHT will, however, have to pay for services it receives such as police and fire protection, Mayor Al Kaufmann said.
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The commissioners voted to adopt a grant application to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for $198,000 to rehabilitate 12 apartment units throughout the city.
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Commissioners voted to award bids for gravel, sand and patching material to Central Asphalt Company of Mount Pleasant, 900 S. Bradley Road, for $26,600; Central Concrete, 900 S. Bradley Road, for $4,180; and Fisher Transportation, 900 S. Bradley Road, for $9,425.
A bid will also go to Jackson Bulldozing, 3680 E. Baseline Road, for $447,740.90 for street construction and F&K's Tree Service, 3989 S. Shepherd Road, for $14,720 for tree-trimming and removal.
