Marty,
I have followed up with the design team on your concerns about Grover and Old Pineville. I would like to note that the actual construction of the sidewalk is fairly quick. It is the preparation before that takes time to work through. These steps include a number of phases (survey, design, real estate acquisition, railroad encroachments).
The sidewalk on the south side should be complete by February 2010 unless we experience delay in acquiring necessary real estate. (Acquisition of necessary property rights is an extended process that involves negotiation of values, legal requirements, and Council actions. A typical property acquisition takes City staff a minimum of 6 months to complete all steps and have rights to begin construction. ) If we have to condemn then 2-3 additional months may be needed.
The sidewalk on the north side should be complete by August 2010 unless we experience delay on part of Norfolk Southern Railway or a delay in acquiring necessary real estate. (Recall that when the City works within the railroad right of way there is considerable time needed to get all steps completed. These steps include items such as review of plans by the railroad company and obtaining encroachment agreements.) We do not have control of this approval process. We have scheduled 3 months to complete this, but it can take longer.
The gap on Old Pineville has already been completed. *(Note in the Spring of 2009 the plan was to fill the gap on the North side of Grover Road at the same time this gap on Old Pineville Road was complete). In the Spring of 2009 CDOT was waiting for the RR to pave between the tracks so they could complete the sidewalk on the North side. That was done in mid June 09. Now that side is not expected to be complete until August 2010.)
We are making every effort to complete this is a timely manner, but given the complexities of this project, it takes time to get to the construction stage. If you have further questions please let me know. You may also wish to stay in contact with the project manager, Becky Chambers, at 704-336-2291 as the City progresses with this project. Thank you.
Vivian
