Edison Street Rehabilitation in Dexter Could Become Priority in 2012

Residents of Edison Street in the village of Dexter might see improvements to the road ahead of schedule pending approval from the Village Council.

The council is considering moving the rehabilitation of the road, which was scheduled for 2013, to spring 2012.

"Anyone who has been down Edison Street knows that it is in pretty bad shape," village president Shawn Keough said during the council's meeting Tuesday night. "It's my intention that the council consider moving Edison to 2012 and hold off on repaving Main Street for another year.

"If we decide to do this, we still have time to get the design done and the project implemented by the spring. Given that the residents of Edison Street won't see any construction activity from now through April, it won't be a huge impact."

The council previously budgeted $374,000 for Central Street rehabilitation and $334,000 for Main Street. The engineering firm OHM estimates rehabilitating Edison Street from Second to Fifth streets will cost $375,000.

According to information provided to the Village Council, the cost estimate for Edison Street could be reduced by $16,000 due to storm water improvements that were completed as part of this year's water main replacement project.

Trustee Jim Carson said he would support moving the Edison Street project to 2012.

"It's very obvious Edison Street is in bad shape. It's almost lost its integrity," he said. "I think we need to stay on target to finish Central Street, but I'm fine with swapping out Main Street for Edison."

Keough said discussions on the extent of rehabilitation or whether to include a sidewalk or expand the road will be considered at the council's meeting Jan. 9.

"The road needs attention, or it will be a maintenance issue for years to come," he said.

In other council action:

• The council voted 6-0, with Trustee Joe Semifero absent, to set a public hearing Jan. 9 to consider the village's floodplain construction ordinance. The public hearing will take place during the council's regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.