Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Plans to repair and reopen a section of sidewalk in downtown Clintonville that has been closed since April have been derailed.
Bids for the Ninth Street repairs came in much higher than expected this week. The city estimated it would cost $65,000 for the sidewalk repairs, but the lowest bid was $118,000.
City officials plan to will rebid the project, and Kray Brown, public works director, said he will see if there could be some changes made to reduce costs.
The problem was discovered last year when the fire department did a routine inspection of the commercial building on the corner of Ninth Street and South Main Street.
City Administrator Chuck Kell said the basement of the building extends beyond the sidewalk to the curb line. The whole sidewalk is exposed in the basement, and there is water damage that is causing the concrete to fall apart.
“It is a dangerous situation. If someone happened to put a car tire up on that sidewalk I think they’d end up in the basement of the building,” Kell said at the time.
Businesses occupying the building include Modern Hair II, Hearing Services and B & H Fashionwear. The owners are Sandy Bruette and Sue Aschliman.
The cost of the project will be split between the city and the property owners, who would have 10 years to pay their share.
The city will handle financing, design, bidding and contracting for the work. The work includes utility adjustments, a new basement wall for the building, new sidewalk and more.
Alderman Jim Supanich made the motion to reject all the bids and rebid.
”The businesses want action,” he said. “They want to see something happen.”