Sidewalk and utility project goes faster than expected

By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NEWTON FALLS -- Work is progressing ahead of schedule on a utility and sidewalk project started earlier this year.
The project area follows Broad Street from Ridge Road to Milton Boulevard, said David Watson, city manager.
Besides new sidewalks and the replacement of a 4- and a 6-inch waterline with a 12-inch line to increase flow, the project includes work to address safety concerns surrounding 31 street lights.
"The receptacle is at the base," said Watson, referring to the safety concerns. "The light quality also has been diminished."
The 18 new decorative fixtures will have receptacles at the top, out of the reach of passers-by.
The work is being done with $64,000 from the city's electrical department; $257,000 from the state Issue 2 revolving loan fund for waterlines; $232,000 from the Issue 2 revolving loan fund for storm and sanitary sewer separation; and an $80,000 Community Development Block Grant.
Utility Contractors of Youngstown is the project contractor.
"The project is five to six weeks from completion," the city manager said. "It's about 20 days ahead of schedule. The contractor has been exceptional."
Work started in February.
About two years ago, the city planned and then scrapped a downtown beautification project that would have included underground wiring, new trees and reconfigured parking in addition to the utility lines, sidewalks and street light replacements that are in the works.
City council canceled the more extensive project after residents complained of the assessments involved, saying the project wasn't needed. Controversy over the larger project led, in part, to the recall of two city council members.