×

Curbs, gutters on tap for 2017 Salem paving project

Councilman fights for inclusion in paving project

SALEM–Councilman Dave Nestic made his case for curbs and gutters on North Ellsworth Avenue by reminding Streets, Alleys & Sidewalks Committee members about main corridor streets being the focus for the 2017 paving project.

Nestic spoke during a recent meeting of the committee, where he had been invited to explain why he felt the curbs and gutters were needed and also responded to the committee’s decision to add East Fourth Street extension to next year’s list for paving.

He said that while the committee was talking about doing an extension with 12 homes on it, the second phase was supposed to be focused on the most highly traveled main corridor streets, such as Ellsworth, Lincoln and State.

That focus was written in the minutes of a Committee of the Whole meeting from Sept. 24, 2015 when council members discussed the proposed .25 percent increase to the city income tax specifically for infrastructure related to streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm sewers. It was supposed to be to make the city look better.

“Anything in writing can be changed,” Councilman Clyde Brown, chair of the committee, said, asking if that was written in the ordinance about the main corridor streets.

Nestic said that’s what voters heard before they went to the polls and voted to approve the tax increase. They were also told a committee of people from the community would be put together to review the street proposals and that committee met just once. He admitted the committee failed to meet again but said it could be reconvened.

Brown said he understood his position, but asked if his street got paved, saying that his did not. The estimated cost for curbs and gutters on North Ellsworth Avenue was over $800,000. There are other things that money could be spent on.

Nestic said they’ll be going against what they had told voters.

Councilman Geoff Goll, also on the committee, told Brown it was important to hear what Nestic was saying. He explained that the committee looked at the proposal and decided the street needed paved next year and couldn’t wait another year to see if the city could get a grant for the project. He said Nestic should bring this issue back next year.

“Are you saying go back after paving it to do curbs and gutters?” Nestic said.

He said there’s a chance now to do it all at once.

Brown commented that they haven’t done a thing for the alleys in the neighborhoods. He wanted to see more alleys done.

As for the Fourth Street extension, city Service/Safety Director Ken Kenst said it’s a council decision, but the street was paved four years ago, there are no potholes, it’s not a thru street and there are only 12 houses there. Councilman Roy Paparodis, the third member of the committee, said he didn’t think it looked that terrible, but agreed when the vote was taken to recommend it be added to the list.

In other business, the committee had planned to name the rear entry drive to the Marc’s store after the late Gene Zilavy, who developed that area of town and Southeast Boulevard. They learned the section had already been named after Dolansky-Zilavy Court to recognize Dolansky-Zilavy Land Development. Instead, they asked Kenst to have a street sign made to mark the street and have a dedication in the spring for the family.

mgreier@salemnews.net

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today