A major improvement project is slated to get underway next month in Bradford’s Second Ward after city council approved a $558,523 construction contract Tuesday.
Bob Cummins Construction won the contract to put in curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act ramps and street lighting along Park Street, Leland Avenue and Jefferson Street.
The project is funded through a Community Development Block Grant competitive grant. but the council approved an ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the city to $750,000, earmarked for the streetscape project. The city will pay for the work and be reimbursed, said Sara Andrews, executive director of the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development. She equated that funding to a line of credit.
The project has a timeline of six months, she said.
“The new sidewalks, curbing, residential and street signage provide safe pedestrian pathways to the city’s downtown business district, and the new residential street lighting will alleviate the safety concerns of residents of walking in the neighborhood during evening hours and help to eliminate crime in the (Second Ward neighborhood),” city officials state on OECD’s website.
Bids were also received from Carl E. Swanson & Sons Inc. amounting to $567,071.59 and Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. totalling $609,966.50.
This isn’t the first time officials have focused on the Second Ward. Other streetscape work has occurred there, in addition to 16 pole-mounted cameras being installed in that area of the city in 2015.
Also at the meeting:
• Council approved a lease/purchase agreement with the Chestnut Street Station Inc. at 104 Chestnut Street. A city building is being renovated, but Andrews said she isn’t ready to release details, including what kind of business that will fill the space.
• Agreements were approved with Stephen P. Grillo and Adam Jack, representatives of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, for the rental of the third-floor office space in Old City Hall on Kennedy Street.
• Council authorized agreements with Casella Waste Systems Inc. for municipal waste disposal for one year, effective April 1.
• Councilmen approved $2,990.10 to Casella Waste Systems Inc. for removal of demolition debris from 5 Amm St. and 113 W. Corydon St.
• Payment to Bradford Fairway Sales and Leasing Inc., totalling $1,942.83 for municipal vehicle repairs, was approved.
• A $1,485 payment to MedPro US for an ambulance annual service agreement on equipment, inspections, maintenance and repairs was also approved.
