Fenton Council Hears Changes, Details on $4.52 Million Streetscape Project

Fenton's estimated $4.54 million is getting ready to roll out during the April to November construction season next year. It will include road reconstruction, pavement rehabilitation, underground utility work and streetscape improvements.

Engineer Tim Juidici, of and landscape architect Joseph Wright, of gave Fenton City Council an update on on Monday. Bids for the project are expected to go out in February 2013, Juidici said. This year, Fenton's consultants are designing the project and the Michigan Department of Transportation is reviewing plans for the work.

There have been some changes in plans since last fall, he continued. One of these is scaling back some of the area for pavement rehabilitation. Instead of improving the area along Leroy Street from Elizabeth to Sixth streets, the area will be from Elizabeth to Second streets.

On the other hand, the area for full road reconstruction and not only mill and overlay (with a new pavement surface) has been extended to the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, he said. It will include full pavement reconstruction, with new curbs and water main and fixing sanitary and storm sewer utilities. Fenton is working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the city is hoping for some government funding.

OHM will provide guidelines for which parts of the road work will take place at one time, so every street won't be torn up for the entire summer, Juidici said. The construction will take place on half of Leroy Street at one time.

To make the current double-tiered sidewalks in Dibbleville (by Sweet Variations, for example) more accessible, the road will be tilted to eliminate the steps, Juidici said. This will provide people with easier access to businesses downtown.

He discussed ways to enclose an outdoor patio area near It could include planters to block off the area, or a masonry wall.

Wright presented information on outdoor furniture, including benches, garbage cans, and possibly drinking fountains. There are different styles of furniture Fenton can select from, he said.

These items will be around for years to come and Councilwoman Pat Lockwood asked who is providing input on which styles of outdoor furniture will be used.

Wright said he's been providing information to the city manager, assistant manager, Department of Public Works director and Downtown Development Authority president. He'd be happy to include others in the process, he added.

City Manager Lynn Markland said will talk to the and Beautification Committee for input on trees, perennials and shrubs for the streetscape, Wright said. There are probably eight to 10 types of street trees that work very well.

In addition, parking will be added, including about 12 angle parking spaces on the south side of Elizabeth Street, he said.