What: a drainage project for the west side of Fruit Hill Avenue, where an antiquated drainage system causes icing and runoff, funded by an $80,000 design grant and a $639,000 congressional grant.
Where it stands: Design is 75-80% complete (estimate near $2.7 million for the whole project, to be built in phases starting at the bottom); design must be submitted to the state by the grant close on 2026-12-31.
Next: The engineer and grant writer return on 2026-12-01.
Details
Underground concrete storage structures are needed because downstream pipes lack capacity. A resident denied survey access for a needed easement. A councilor questioned the delay since 2024. Officials said the design grant closes December 31 on submission of designs and invoices, not permit approval, and that state permit review has taken three to four months on a similar project.