CDBG reconstruction to restore Burgess Street brick blocks and preserve historic sandstone curbs

Staff described a Community Development Block Grant reconstruction project for Burgess and nearby Hamtramck Street blocks. The plan calls for a full replacement of the city‑owned utilities beneath the street, removal of buried topsoil and installation of a stable concrete base before resetting the original brick surface to preserve the historic streetscape.

Where sandstone curbs remain, staff said contractors will be asked to remove and reset them or to avoid disturbing them; staff also said the city has some salvaged curb pieces from previous work. The project will combine federal CDBG funds with street, water, wastewater, stormwater and sidewalk funds to cover the full scope.

Staff said they plan to solicit bids in January and aim to meet the federal deadline (noted as August 1) for grant performance, acknowledging the schedule is tight and could influence contractor interest. The committee discussed the possibility that construction might extend into October if contractors require more time, but staff emphasized the need to meet federal performance requirements.

Next steps: staff will prepare bid materials, coordinate funding across departments and seek contractors willing to meet performance requirements; the city will attempt to preserve historic elements while ensuring modern utility reliability.