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Plaza Drive Phase II In The Works

Last updated on Tuesday, April 17, 2012

(BEDFORD) - The Bedford Board of Works approved two supplemental payments to GAI Consultants for the Plaza Drive Phase II project.

The first was for $21,500 for plans to re-route the water lines. The second was for $166,900 for a design project for the roadway and utilities relocation and additional survey work.

"We are moving forward with this project," says Mayor Shawna Girgis. "This project will spur economic development and jobs. The city will be using INDOT funds to pay for the project."

INDOT has given the city notice to proceed with a major road project that will eventually connect the Ind. 37 bypass with Williams Boulevard via a newly constructed and improved Plaza Drive. INDOT awarded an 80 percent federally funded transportation grant in 2006 under former Mayor Joe Klumpp. Phase II will connect Ind. 37 to 16th Street.

An attractive aspect of Phase II is that it is being accomplished with a large percentage of the local funding being paid by the property owners along the new right-of-way. The letting date for the project is the Spring of 2014.

In other business:

* The board approved a minor subdivision at 1035 James Avenue for Steak N' Shake. They will sell the property to BR Associates who plans to build a Denny's restaurant.

The board approved the replacement of a new storm sewer line in Green Hill Cemetery. Utilities Director Misty Adams says the current line conflicts with possible gravesites and needs moved.

Adams and City Attorney Gregg Pittman meet with the Green Hill Cemetery Association and drew up a contract that will allow the city to move the line.The city will provide the man power and the Association will pay the estimated $10,000 for the new pipe.

The city currently owns the older section of the cemetery and pays the Association $2,500 a year to upkeep the property. The Association has asked the city to apply the next four years of upkeep money toward the purchase of the pipe.

* The board approved the extension of the TASK bus stop zone in front of Chase Bank at 16th and I streets. This will allow the armor truck for the banks to make their deliveries and pickup without conflicting with the city's bus schedule.

* The board approved a payment to Harrison Concrete for labor to repair the water tower on Sixth Street. Adams says the paint is flaking off the legs of the tower and per IDEM needs repaired. They will also be pouring a concrete paid at the tower for a building that will house equipment.

* The board also heard from Mayor Girgis about an agreement with Helix Technologies to bring wireless High-Speed Broadband Internet Service to the downtown area. The city is still working out the details with Helix Technologies.

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