Marion sidewalks slated for repairs
Staff writer
A proposed sidewalk repair and replacement project along four Marion streets is gaining momentum.
The sidewalk improvement plan grew out of an earlier housing assessment undertaken by 12 volunteers working with the city economic development department. The plan was to assess the condition of housing in town and find ways to address needs.
While looking at houses, team members noticed some sidewalks are in poor condition.
“That became a part of our report that we read to the Department of Commerce,” economic development director Randy Collett said.
Collett said the window of time in which to apply for grants fell soon after the assessment was finished.
The city seeks a Community Development Block Grant to work on sidewalks and will pursue other grants to work on housing later, Collett said.
“We’re going to look at that right after the first of the year,” Collett said.
The sidewalks to be worked on, if the grant is awarded, will be along Santa Fe St. from 5th St. to Walnut, 5th St. from Sana Fe St. to Main St., 2nd St. from North St. to Santa Fe St., and Roosevelt St. from Main St. to Maple St.
The plan is to remove and replace sidewalk and curb, remove trees along the route, and install ADA-compliant ramps at intersections.
EBH and Associates Engineers were hired Thursday to do the engineering work on the project.
Although a contract has been signed for EBH to be paid up to $25,000 for the work, the contract signed by council members includes a clause that the city won’t have to pay if a CDBG grant is not awarded.