Opp council asks for different sidewalk plans

Published 12:02 am Thursday, November 19, 2015

Downtown-Opp-01

A plan presented to the Opp City Council for a new sidewalk project was met with some questions and concern this week.

Jeremy McMath of Civil Southeast pitched a project that would place a sidewalk down East Hart Avenue from Spurlin Street to Dogwood Lane.

The project is estimated to cost $546,120.

However, McMath proposed that the city apply for an Alabama Department of Transportation Transportation Alternative Program grant.

The grant is an 80/20, which means that the city will be responsible for $147,384.

McMath said applications are due to ALDOT by the end of January.

“This is just something that I came up with, and I think it is beneficial,” he said.

Councilman TD Morgan question placing a sidewalk on a “dangerous” thoroughfare.

And why other streets couldn’t be considered.

“When we were working with the ATRIP grant there was a concern with Jeffcoat and Brantley with making it ADA compliant and drainage,” he said.

Morgan said the city could spend the matching funds to place sidewalks at locations such as this.

“We looked at what we could tie to downtown,” McMath said. “High traffic road like 134 pull back to city hall.”

McMath told the council he would work with them, however, there are rules for the project.

“I’m open to look at other projects,” he said. “Y’all know Opp and I serve at your pleasure.”

Mayor John Bartholomew told council members to speak with City Planner Jason Bryan about any suggestions they have.

McMath said he would return in December.