Document text
Medford opts for cheaper fix of downtown sidewalks Friday Feb 3, 2017 at 5:07 PM Feb 3, 2017 at 5:07 PM Damian Mann Mail Tribune @reporterdm The Medford City Council decided to opt for a less costly repair for downtown sidewalks that have heaved and buckled after only 12 years. "We just slapped a Band-Aid on the paver issue," Councilor Clay Bearnson said. "We should at least do something that has a 50-year lifespan." Bearnson was the only opposing vote in a 5-1 decision Thursday to spend $300,000 to reset the pavers on Central Avenue so they will lay flat and not present a tripping hazard. The council debated a $1.2 million option that would have meant pulling the 2-by-2-foot pavers and pouring a new concrete sidewalk that would have been scored to resemble the pavers.  The city, which typically requires adjacent property owners to pay for repairs, has conceded the sidewalks were not installed correctly and root barriers were not placed around some trees when the Medford Urban Renewal Agency paid $900,000 for the work 12 years ago. Public Works officials say concrete sidewalks appear to be less subject to heaving and buckling. Near Rogue Community College, orange plastic fencing has been installed to alert passersby to the uneven sidewalk. "It's clearly a faulty design," Bearnson said. He said the council action foists the cost of future repairs on surrounding businesses. "If I were a downtown property owner, I'd be livid," he said.  Councilor Kim Wallan said city officials told her that 90 percent of the problem with the pavers is caused by trees. She anticipates the Medford Public Works Department will try to minimize future problems with trees when it makes the repairs. Some businesses, such as Central Art Supply, have asked to remove trees because they have caused flooding issues in basements. "Surely we can strike a balance here," Wallan said. She said she will push for more flexibility in the city's standards for trees so they can be removed on a case-by-case basis. She expects to see fewer issues with the pavers going forward. The city has asked property owners to sign an agreement that they will accept responsibility for any repairs of sidewalks once the city fixes the pavers. Public Works Director Cory Crebbin said that since the trees are fully mature, the city can't install root barriers. But workers could remove some roots or shave roots under the direction of an arborist to ensure the trees stay healthy. Crebbin said several property owners have requested tree removal, which will have to be reviewed by the arborist. While the sidewalks are being reset, the city will look at repairing the disability ramps at intersections on Central Avenue. The work should start in the near future and likely will require seeking two contracts, one for the sidewalks and one for the ramps, Crebbin said. "We'd like to be finished by next fall," he said. — Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm.