09/28/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Regular Council Meeting September 28, 2020 Page 6 16. Discussion regarding the status of the Utility Bond Project on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and 17th Street N.E. Mayor Clifford said he placed this item on the agenda, because he was contacted by Mr. Yates. Mayor Clifford said he met with Mr. Yates, along with about ten other people in the neighborhood. He said he would like for people who live in the area to come up and speak about this subject. Marcus Yates, 932 Fitzhugh, he said his mother had been a resident for 50 years and lives at 17th N.E. He said it was his understanding the contractors began work on the street in November of last year. Mr. Yates presented City Council with photographs and a letter from Ms. Easton, which stated the entire project should only take two to four weeks. Mr. Yates questioned the plans for completion, who was going to replace the street, how much was it costing the City, and what amount of time would the contractors guarantee their work. Council Member Knox said she could relate to the citizens' frustrations because she lived with the same conditions for two years on Church Street. Herman Preston, 1710 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, he stated his concern was the condition of the road between density tests. He said there were several occasions in which he had to move gravel and large rocks out of his yard in order to mow his grass. He also said the road should be kept in a passable condition while the work was being done. Vanessa Preston, 1710 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, she said the workers had been rude when she asked them about the work they were doing. She said all they wanted was information and common courtesy. Cecil Hutchings, 1500 6th S.E., he expressed his frustration with the contractors not getting back with him, and that the road was not in better shape. Linda Williams, 1730 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, she said she has lived in the same place for 46 years and this was the first time there were ever major problems with the street. She said speed bumps were definitely a requirement for the street. Marva Joe, 17th N.E., she said she has lived there for 51 years and that hopefully one day the street would be fixed. Charles Frierson, 1210 17th N.E. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, he said the street looks like a trail, the contractors had busted water lines and gas lines. He also said the contractors were not reliable or respectable, citing one incident where the contractor blocked his driveway and refused to move. Bishop Connice Mayers, Pastor at New Salem Baptist Church, he said members of his church lived on this street and the current situation was a disgrace.