By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó City Council will hear an update on new sidewalks in Olde Salisbury when members meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall.
Olde Salisbury is a subdivision off Old Concord Road. Construction of sidewalks in each of three phases was guaranteed by the developer by posting a letter of credit that was valid for two years.
In the first two phases, sidewalks were installed as houses filled the lots. But during phase three, development slowed and many lots remained vacant.
Those undeveloped lots did not have sidewalks installed, leaving significant gaps in the sidewalk system, City Engineer Patrick Ritchie wrote in a memo shared with City Council.
At the end of the two-year period for phase three, the city received notice from the bank that the letter of credit would not be extended. The city told the developer the city would collect the guarantee if sidewalks were not installed.
The developer did not install them as required, so the letter of credit was exercised and the city received $16,348, Ritchie said.
In July 2010, City Council authorized staff to take bids for construction of about 1,000 linear feet of sidewalk to fill the gaps. Construction was completed last month.
The remaining lots on Terra Court and Chantilly Lane must install sidewalks as each house is constructed.
Also Tuesday, City Council will:
Hold a public hearing to consider how residents felt about the way the city spent $519,413 in federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds last year. Rehabilitation of vacant or foreclosed homes for resale, in addition to owner-occupied homes, was a funding priority.
Investments were focused in the West End and Jersey City neighborhoods.
Consider naming the flag concourse in City Park ěPatriots Flag Concourse and Memorial.î
Hear an update from staff regarding the West End Neighborhood Transformation Plan.
Hear an update from staff regarding the tree inventory.
Receive public comment.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.