NILES ROADS Engineer proposes more work

City council allocated $240,000 in this year's budget for the project.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Additional work being considered on the Robbins Avenue resurfacing project would more than double the city's share of the cost, from $240,000 to $500,000.
Mayor Ralph A. Infante Jr. told finance committee members Wednesday that David DeChristofaro, city engineer, recommended the additional work.
The additions include widening sidewalks from 4 to 5 feet; installing catch basins to improve drainage; and widening part of the road, creating a turn lane there, and making the road more level.
The additional work totals $659,000.
Funding: City council allocated $240,000 for the project in this year's capital improvement budget to resurface the road between state Route 46 and the city limits, near McKinley Lanes. The project also includes curb and sidewalk installation and some storm sewer work.
It's in the engineering phase. The city received a Federal Highway Administration grant to cover 80 percent of the project, which was initially estimated at $1.2 million. The $240,000 city portion covers the 20 percent local share.
"It's a main road through Niles," Infante said. "If we're going to do it, we may as well do it right."
The additional work would increase the project cost to about $1.9 million and the city's portion to about $500,000.
Mark Hess, the city engineering, grants and development coordinator, said the increase in the sidewalk width conforms with the city standard for developments. Leveling the road would involve removal of some of the old road surface underneath.
"It's caused by 30 years of paving," Infante said.
Committee views: Infante said he wanted to determine whether committee members supported the recommendation. No formal vote was taken, but Councilman Thomas A. Scarnecchia, committee chairman, and Councilman Robert L. Marino Jr., both D-at large, indicated they support it. Councilman Frank S. Fuda, D-1st, didn't attend the meeting.
"If our city engineer recommends it, we should do it," Marino said.
Council must approve the proposal. The project is expected to start in late summer and be completed by next spring, the mayor said.