A new pedestrian walkway in Uptown Plain City will look slightly different than its original design, illustrated above. Most notably, the bump-out that pushes the parking lot into the path will be removed. Instead of brick pavers, stamped concrete will be used to ensure its longevity. (Graphic submitted)
While the majority of Plain City’s Uptown streetscape project is on track, a new pedestrian walkway will likely be slightly delayed.
Council recently advised the engineering firm for the project to create a new design for the alley between Lovejoy Plaza and 168 W. Main Street, which will be converted into a pedestrian path with no vehicle access.
Former Village Administrator Nathan Cahall explained during the most recent council meeting that the initial design called for a “meandering” brick path surrounded by grass.
Mayor Jody Carney said she met with Public Works Supervisor Ryan Huff and Parks and Recreation Director Linda Granger on site Friday to evaluate the design. She said the group raised several concerns about its appearance and longevity.
“It did not make sense,” Carney said.
The original design included a bump-out that would preserve one of the property owner’s parking spaces.
However, Council member Michael Terry, who was also at the on-site meeting, said the bump-out in the parking lot would push into nearly half the width of the alley. He said it would not be visually appealing.
Carney agreed.
They said the property owner also felt the bump-out detracted from the overall design and was willing to lose a parking space in order to remove it.
Though council members liked the look of brick pavers, Carney said village employees feel they would be difficult to maintain and would not last as long as desired.
Instead of actual bricks, they recommended using stamped concrete to give a similar appearance.
Additionally, rather than solar powered lighting, Carney said village staff recommended adding electrical outlets to increase efficiency.
Randy VanTilburg, a project engineer with the Mannik & Smith Group, said the proposed changes are possible, but “we don’t know what the impact is” on the cost or timeline.
“It’ll affect the completion date for sure,” he said.
Council President John Rucker said he is hopeful that the proposed changes would result in a similar cost to the initial design, as the increase from change orders could be balanced by removing the cost of pavers.
Still, VanTilburg said the changes would force the contractor to reschedule concrete pouring and hire a subcontractor who specializes in stamped concrete.
Depending on when the new design is approved, he said the concrete may not be poured until winter. Since the cold temperatures cause a longer cure time, contractors will charge for the additional time spent on the project.
To ensure the project can be completed before winter, Council member Shannon Pine suggested just removing the bump-out. She said other changes could be made later.
VanTilburg agreed that just removing the bump-out should not dramatically alter the price or timeline of the project.
However, council, including Pine, ultimately agreed against it because it would require paying to install brick pavers only to tear them out in the short-term.
Terry said he feels that leaves council with two options: remove the bump-out and keep the pavers, or remove the bump-out and switch to stamped concrete.
Every council member preferred to change the design to stamped concrete, aside from Pine, who said she felt she did not yet have enough information to make a decision.
Council member Frank Reed asked if the new design would need to go before the Design Review Board.
Pine said village ordinance indicates that DRB does not consider projects within the public right-of-way. Solicitor Paul Lafayette confirmed her opinion.
Reed said he would still like to see a final design before approving the project.
Terry said he trusts Carney to work with village staff and the project engineers to alter the design based on recommendations agreed upon by council.
The board ultimately asked VanTilburg to create a design with a stamped concrete path, surrounded by regular sidewalk, and present it to council by Wednesday, Nov. 3.
Despite potential delays, Carney said she feels the changes will be worthwhile.
“We only get this shot once to make it look nice,” she said.