downtown Parking Lot to Face phased Closures for Sewer Replacement

A major infrastructure project is set to begin in Moscow, impacting downtown parking this summer. The Moscow City Council has greenlit a $366,193 project to replace the sewer line beneath the Jackson Street parking lot.

Project Details:

• Location: Alley between Friendship Square and Sixth Street.
• Contractor: Devout Excavation LLC, the lowest of seven bidders.
• Timeline: May 5 to Sept. 26, with 60 working days allotted.

Moscow Civil Engineer Bob Buvel addressed the council on March 24, outlining the project’s scope. The work would take place between May 5 and Sept. 26 and crews will have 60 working days to complete the project, he said.

Impact on Businesses and Parking:

While businesses in the vicinity are not expected to be substantially affected, the Jackson Street parking lot will experience phased closures. The parking lot will not be shut down entirely during the project, Buvel clarified, but certain parking bays will be closed at different times.

To ensure pedestrian safety, crews will cover the construction area with steel plates each night. This measure aims to minimize disruption and potential hazards during non-working hours.

Moscow Pathways Commission Dissolved

In a separate decision,the council voted to dissolve the Moscow Pathways Commission,established in 2015. the commission’s original mandate was to advise on the city’s walking and biking pathways.

Reasons for Dissolution:

• Lack of Agenda: The commission reportedly struggled to find sufficient topics for discussion during meetings.
• Low Event Attendance: Annual events, including the bike tour, pedestrian tour, and Bike to Work Day, faced challenges in attracting participants.

Moving forward, pathway-related issues will be addressed by the Moscow Transportation Commission and the Moscow Parks and recreation Commission. This consolidation aims to streamline decision-making and resource allocation.

Issues regarding pathways will now be handled by the Moscow transportation Commission or the Moscow Parks and Recreation Commission.

Dissenting Voice:

City Councilor Sandra Kelly cast the sole dissenting vote against the dissolution. She argued that Moscow’s growing population and the potential for future pathway projects warranted maintaining the commission.

Kelly stated that the city’s growth necessitates continued focus on pathway development. She believes that a dedicated commission is better equipped to address these evolving needs.

Looking Ahead: Infrastructure and Community Development

These decisions by the Moscow City Council highlight the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure and community resources. The sewer replacement project addresses essential infrastructure needs,while the dissolution of the Pathways Commission signals a restructuring of community engagement efforts.

The city aims to ensure efficient management of resources and responsiveness to the evolving needs of its residents.