Over $600,000 to fix and re-do Pavegate roads
Standing at the intersection of Osgood and Andover Street, one of last year’s improperly paved streets, Mayor Rivera kicked off the street repair work in a press conference. Osgood Street was added to the list of roadwork very late in last year’s roadwork season. The “Hot in Place” application process used on these improperly paved streets is one that requires a temperature-sensitive final seal in the warm and mild temperatures. This last minute work was rushed through last year and could not be sealed in time, leaving it open to weather and decay. This poor decision-making for political gain cost the taxpayers $453,523. In addition, $180,000 will be wasted on streets that are being paved for a second consecutive year due to water work that was planned prior to last year.
Due to incomplete roadwork done last year in the Pavegate scandal, the city must utilize $453,523 of this year’s Chapter 90 money to re-do streets that were poorly done last year. $180,000 will be spent on streets to be fixed for the second time due to water projects planned before last fall’s paving. In total, over $630,000 was wasted by the previous administration that cannot be used this year for new street paving needs.
The street work is funded by FY15 State Chapter 90 local transportation aid funding that totals $1.3 million. This year’s repair work focuses on need in high traffic areas. “We have thoroughly looked at the worst streets in our city and are attacking those first,” said Mayor Dan Rivera. “This process is not about politics. It is about properly paved streets.” The “Hot in Place” process will not be used in this year’s road work. All streets included in the Chapter 90 repairs are scheduled to be completed with the weather-sensitive sealcoating well before the cold weather hits.
“Today I am calling on those investigating this matter or those who should be investigating this; to prioritize it and bring some closure to it. It is very important that people are held responsible for this. Over $600,000 has been wasted, and it appears that bidding rules were broken. Where is the legal process in this? They should be all over this, or at the very least let the public know where they are in this investigation. Currently we are in the dark,” said Mayor Dan Rivera. “The longer they wait to hold someone responsible, and the longer the public good is ignored, means that justice is denied to the taxpayer and the sentiment that government waste is not only tolerated but ignored will fester in the minds of taxpayers,” said Mayor Dan Rivera.
A full list of streets that will receive roadwork can be found at www.cityoflawrence.com on the DPW page later today.
