After several months highlighted by detours, one of Ely’s major thoroughfares is passable again - and has a fresh look.
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, members were briefed about the completion of the Harvey Street Project.
“It’s pretty much done,” said Harold Langwoski, the city’s clerk-treasurer and operations director.
The $4.2 million project was coordinated by St. Louis County, started in June and and ran from Central Avenue to Ninth Avenue East.
The city also tied in with the initiative with some infrastructure work of its own.
Project officials eyed an October completion date and that appears to be on track.
“They’re striping the crosswalks, installing the signs,” said Langowski. “There are a couple of pieces yet remaining, the installing of streetlights. All in all, it turned out pretty nice.”
The project has been in the works for years and design called for 11-foot driving lanes with an eight-foot parking lane on each side, along with curb and gutter work.
It also includes sidewalk replacement on both the north and south sides of the street, except where there is no sidewalk currently, which is on the south side between Seventh and Ninth Avenue East.
The city also completed various infrastructure and paving projects in conjunction with the Harvey Street initiative.
“All of our other projects got completed last week as well,” said Langowski. “All of our paving for the most part is done for the season.” The Harvey Street report was part of a busy council docket on Tuesday (see related stories).
In other business, the council:
• Heard from fire chief Dave Marshall that Kristen Zobitz has resigned as EMS coordinator but will remain with the fire department.
The EMS position will be posted internally.
• Approved a series of land transfer and easement agreements related to the Old Ford Garage and Depot properties, related to the redevelopment of those areas. The garage property will serve as a parking lot for the hotel that will be located at the old Community Center property.
Related to those moves was the scheduling of a public hearing on Oct. 21, at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall.
• Received notice that the Ely Utilities Commission will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in the coming months.
• Added animal rescue to the list of permissible uses in C1, C2 and M zoning areas, and dog/cat boarding to C1 and C2 areas, per the recommendation of the city’s planning commission.
• Gave permission for the library to be closed Oct. 9 for staff to participate in CPR and first aid training, as well as April 1-2, because of the Public Library Association Conference.
• Approved a recommendation from the Ely Utilities Commission to contract with the Costin Group for lobbying services for 24 months, at a rate of $2,000 per month.
