2021 a 'busy' year for capital construction projects in Kent

This year was a busy one for Kent's capital construction projects, city officials say.

The year started unusually, according to city engineer Jim Bowling. The city was able to bid out eight projects before costs started to escalate. As result, more than $1 million was saved because the city was able to bid out $8 million worth of work for 15% less than estimated.

More: Kent accepts grant to build chimney swift habitat on Haymaker Parkway

More: Movie review: 'House of Gucci' lifted by top cast in tale of money, murder and mayhem

More: Kent nears accepting nearly $8.8 million estimated price tag for city hall project

A long-awaited update to Kent Fire Station No. 2, located on North Mantua Street, will include a new roof and a building addition. The new peaked roof will provide space for new HVAC equipment and ductwork. The new roofline will also mimic the roofing of residential homes surrounding the station.

Work on the building will complete in December and be usable by crews around that time, Bowling said. However, the generator for the building will not be delivered until May due to supply chain issues. Costs for the update totaled $615,000.

The city also nearly completed an update to the Brady's Leap segment of the Portage Hike and Bike Trail, which is open for use. The project, totaling $1.4 million, was funded 60% by grants from the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Supply chain issues have affected the installation of a staircase from the Main Street Bridge to the trail. The new Gougler Avenue entrance, however, is open.

Bowling also broke down several updates that were made to city streets. Chronic flooding was an issue in the area of Miller Avenue, Steele Street and Harvey Avenue since he joined the city in 2007. The issue was finally tackled this year with construction on storm and water improvements completing in September.

The project cost $1.2 million and was funded 50% by the Ohio Public Works Commission. Shortly after completion, Bowling said, there was a rain storm that had the potential to flood the basement of a property in the area of Miller. Bowling said he went out to the site and confirmed the fix had worked as intended.

Work done on North Water Street from October 2020 to July 2021 was primarily funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Work on the $1.43 million project was mainly driven by a goal of reducing vehicular speeds.

Prior to the project, Bowling said, the number of people driving 20 miles per hour or less was only around 13%. Since completion, that percentage has nearly tripled to 37%. Trees are anticipated be planted in that area soon, he said.

The first phase of reconstructing Walnut Street was completed in November. From Cherry Street to Harris Street, new pavement, curbs, storm sewers, new waterline and some new sidewalk were added. The update was part of a long term program that started around 2007. Part of its scope includes neighborhoods and maintaining infrastructure in them, Bowling said.

The project cost $400,000 and was funded 60% by the Community Block Development Grant Program. Harris from West Street to Franklin Avenue also saw a $500,000 update that was funded 50% by OPWC.

Various roads were milled and resurfaces as part of the annual street and sidewalk program. A contract was also awarded for pavement repairs. Work will begin in spring 2022. The construction cost for the program was listed at $1 million. Construction is anticipated to complete in August 2022.

Work at the Kent Water Reclamation Facility and city pump stations had to become a focus this year, Bowling said. The completion of the emergency rehabilitation of a primary clarifier this year cost $480,000. A little under half of that amount was paid for by an insurance settlement. Work had to be done to one of the city's two clarifiers when mechanical safeguards failed and damaged the equipment beyond repair, Bowling said.

The replacement of the sanitary pump station in the southwest part of town is currently underway. The $2 million project began in October and is anticipated to be completed in May 2022. A Division of Environmental & Financial Assistance loan covered the whole cost of the project.

The city is aware that work on its other clarifier will need to be addressed in upcoming years. In total, Bowling said, needs for the facility in the next five to 10 years are estimated to cost upwards of $14.4 million. Grant money is already being sought.

For 2022, Bowling said Kent will have the same two primary focuses: streets and sidewalks.

The annual street and sidewalk program is fully funded in the city's budget. ODOT will help resurface Route 43 in the north end of town, too. Middlebury Road is also set to be resurfaced next year. Kent was also able to secure a grant for the emergency resurfacing of Main Street and South Water Street in downtown Kent.

Those four projects total $3.3 million being put into the streets and sidewalks in 2022, Bowling said. Continued work on the southwest sanitary pump station and water reclamation facility are also within Kent's sight.

Contact reporter Kaitlyn McGarvey with Kent news by email at kmcgarvey@recordpub.com or on Twitter at @kaitlynmcg_rc

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kent gives overview of 2021 infrastructure projects