[OMS_MANAGERS] Questions on Streetscape

[Shawn Irvine]

I would think it depends a little on how many blocks you are trying to cover, but in general my opinion is that streetscape work is a "rip the band-aid off" kind of project.  The construction will go a lot smoother and faster if you just do it all at once instead of piecing it out.  It's more pain, but for a much shorter period of time.  I would also add that splitting things up can cause serious problems with the mechanics of construction.  A half-street improvement, or doing it one block at a time will leave a cold joint between the two slabs of asphalt.  This joint is never as stable as a single, unified pour and will cause more maintenance problems down the road.  You might even get more expensive bids for a spaced-out project because the contractor will have to bring their crews (demo, flatwork, electrical, etc.) back several times instead of just coming once and knocking it out.

This isn't to say you can't work out a sequence of events that minimizes the closure of any particular block, but if you let the perceived impact on businesses drive things, it's going to get ugly.  Find someone with civil engineering/construction experience and talk it through with them - the City Engineer would be ideal if you have one.  It's all about lining things up as efficiently as possible for the contractor so they can finish their work as quickly as possible.  There will always be problems and delays and unhappy people.  A good plan goes a long way.

Shawn

From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us> On Behalf Of STUART Sheri * OPRD
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 11:50 AM
To: Oregon Main Street program managers <oms_managers at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: [OMS_MANAGERS] FW: Questions on Streetscape

This message is being distributed over the Listserv. All responses will be over the Listserv.

Any suggestions for Shannen?
From: president at historicwillamette.com<mailto:president at historicwillamette.com> [mailto:president at historicwillamette.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 11:16 AM
To: STUART Sheri * OPRD
Subject: Questions on Streetscape

We had a task force meeting last night and was wondering if you may know from the other communities that have gone through Streetscape construction if doing the whole street at once, half the street, one block at a time, etc. is typically better for businesses than another. Any thoughts?

Thanks
Shannen
Historic Willamette

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