Published: May 14, 2008 11:47 am            

New Albany Board of Works doesn’t want to budge on open-cutting new roads

The New Albany Board of Works and Public Safety approved one road cut on Tuesday, while deciding to take another under advisement.

According to Carl Malysz, board member and deputy mayor, the situations are entirely different.

Leo Mesmer requested Mount Tabor Road be closed for a cut to tie-in utilities for a commercial project he is working on in the area. His request was put on hold, with Malysz reasoning the road is practically new asphalt.

He said Mayor Doug England is wanting to get away from tearing up roads within months after they have been resurfaced.

The board has expressed this concern to other contractors, especially utility companies, saying they want everyone on the same page so roads only have to be cut once.

“It really bothers me that (we would be) cutting the road again in this manner,” Malysz said.

Mesmer said they have no choice, since sewer and water sources are not available unless they cross Mount Tabor Road.

“It’s an awkward situation for everybody,” he said.

Later in the meeting, the board approved a road cut for an entrance into Wooded Valley Drive, located along State Street, where the neighborhood association plans to run water and electricity lines for a sprinkler system and other landscaping projects.

District 2 Councilman Bob Caesar addressed the board concerning the road cut and a patched pothole at the entrance that he said is once again becoming a nuisance for residents in the neighborhood. The board approved allowing the cut — with the association pledging to pay for the costs — and fixing the road entering Wooded Valley Drive.

Malysz said the difference in this project and the Mount Tabor Road request is the condition of the street.

“We’re considering this cut because the city recognizes there’s a significant problem with the asphalt in the area of the cut,” Malysz said. “It’s a little bit different than open-cutting a brand new street.”

The board did not divulge a time when the repaving would occur. Malysz said the city has received a quote from a paving company and are considering their options. He added they hoped to remedy the problem within two weeks.

Speaking about the possible Mount Tabor Road open-cut, Caesar said it is a difficult situation.

“If you gotta cut it, you gotta put it back pristine,” he said.

        

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