City scraps George Street plans

By Dave Fidlin

Correspondent

Existing plans for the reconstruction of a small neighborhood street near Whitewater’s Armory building are being scrapped as officials review alternatives.

George Street, a residential corridor that runs in a cul-de-sac, is among the roadways included in this year’s capital improvement plan. The project itself carries a $1.4 million price tag.

In addition to replacing the existing pavement, city officials eyed other enhancements to the area.

One of those enhancements — adding sidewalks — reportedly drew a bevy of concerns from residents during a public meeting a month ago.

Unlike most of the city of Whitewater’s roadways, George Street, which runs in a north-south direction, presently does not have sidewalks north of a bridge that goes over Whitewater Creek.

Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell came before the council Feb. 3 and discussed how residents’ concerns should be incorporated into the George Street project.

“During the public meeting (in mid-January), staff received unanimous feedback from the residents in attendance that they would like to see the sidewalks eliminated from the project,” McDonell said. “Staff would like to receive input from the council on the decision to eliminate sidewalks north of the bridge.”

In addition to the installation of sidewalks, McDonell said George Street residents have raised other concerns, including being specially assessed for the work, removing trees and potential flooding.

While no official votes were taken at last week’s meeting, the council did direct McDonell and other city staffers to go back to the drawing board on the George Street plans.

Citing the fact George Street runs in a cul-de-sac, council members agreed the sidewalk component could be eliminated from the plans.

Other potential aspects of the project include upgrading existing water and sanitary sewer lines, as well as installing curbs and gutters that are in conformance with other areas of the city.

Plans call for McDonell to present to the council with a modified version of the work planned for George Street. The council will take action once the modified plans are presented. Further discussion also could take place at the council’s next regular meeting Feb. 17.

McDonell asserted the need to address upgrades along George Street is high. On a 1-to-10 scale, with 10 being pristine condition, McDonell said the roadway ranks 2.

In other business Feb. 3, the Common Council:

• Approved an amendment to the previously adopted complete streets ordinance that calls on city officials to consider pedestrian and bicyclists’ accommodations as future road projects are discussed.

The amended language within the ordinance takes into account freight truck drivers and their need for mobility on city streets.

Council member Phil Frawley, a freight driver, had suggested the language be added to the ordinance when the full council adopted the ordinance last month.

• Voted to transfer a beer and liquor license to Ramon Rocha at the Wanda’s Waterfront restaurant within the American Legion building. Rocha recently purchased the Wanda’s Waterfront establishment.

The Alcohol License Committee recommended granting the license. One final appointed body — the Plan and Architectural Review Commission — will weigh in on the license transfer at its next meeting.