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Sloping sidewalk to be repaired before Lewis Parkette work gets underway
The planning process for the Elmer Lewis Parkette has taken over a year and a half and although construction on the project will not begin on schedule this week, the committee is pleased that the actual work will soon begin.
Board of Trade committee chair Connie Lawton told The Maple Leaf on Monday she was “devastated” when told of the start-up delay but quickly realized the reason for the delay was for the best.
The original date for construction to start was to have been Tuesday, April 17 but an enhancement to the project was suggested by Norfolk County. For decades, there have been issues with the severe slope of the sidewalk on Main Street extending from Watkinson’s to the Magic Mart. Long recognized as challenging when walking, particularly in winter for seniors, the issue has been before Norfolk County Council, and previously the City of Nanticoke, numerous times but up until now has not been addressed.
Councillor John Wells, Norfolk County staff, Project Manager John Baker, and Committee Chair Connie Lawton met at the site April 10 and 11 to discuss the possibility of combining the repositioning of the sidewalk with the parkette construction. Although the slope will not be eliminated altogether, it will be reduced considerably and create a much safer surface for walking. At this point in time the improvements will only be made to the section directly adjacent to the parking lot/parkette but it is hoped the other portions will be addressed in the future. A gradual slope to the new level at both ends of the parkette will facilitate the transition from the existing sidewalk to the new one.
“It certainly makes sense to co-operate on these two activities if possible,” stated Councillor Wells. “There will be savings realized if the equipment on site is utilized for both projects rather than paying to have it transported and set up on two different occasions.”
Waiting for the finalization of plans for the sidewalk project has necessitated a postponement of the start of the parkette construction but it is anticipated that both projects will be completed by the end of May.
“If a minor delay in the time-line will enhance the function and beauty of the project, we are more than willing to accommodate Norfolk County’s request,” explained Committee Chair Lawton. “As a committee we have been working so hard to get this project complete as soon as possible but we all agree that doing the sidewalk at the same time is just ‘good business.’ We anticipate the delay will still allow us to have the parkette ready for the upcoming tourist season for everyone to enjoy.”
-- Wednesday, April 18, 2007
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