NORFOLK — Spring cleaning is beginning on the roads.
“Look at the sidewalk in front of [my neighbor’s] home; it is chipped, broken, and damaged,” said Lori Hagge, frustrated by the road conditions on Michigan Avenue, as she testified March 15 to the City Council.
This week, the city council continued its ongoing discussions of road conditions, and passed a revision to their road repair plan: now, $2.3 million dollars of general revenue will go toward repairs in 2021.
Residents have been concerned about the consequences of dilapidated infrastructure. For some, the damage causes flat tires and rocks in their windshield. For others, it means less customers.
“What I look at, my lens is through a business owner, I need people visiting Norfolk and wanting to return. If someone just visited the first time and sees potholes they may not come back,” said Rohn Wagner, owner of The Brand (which sells fashion accessories).
“We’re aware of the deteriorated condition, and that’s why this council has tried to be creative about improving funding projects,” said Mayor Josh Moenning.
The council has been able to spend this money in part due to CARES grants.
While road repair proposals usually cost below $500,000, Moenning said this is just the beginning.
