The City of Stratford is preparing to reconstruct Moderwell Street from St. Vincent Street South to Monteith Avenue, tentatively beginning this summer.
The project aims to renew the roadway and partially replace the existing underground infrastructure. An open house was held Feb. 20 to provide more details and offer residents space to share concerns and ask questions.
City staff said several residents attended the event and voiced their concerns. Staff heard concerns mainly regarding parking on the street during construction and possible out-of-pocket payment for roadwork.
The city will upgrade the existing road to an urban standard, including concrete curbs and asphalt pavement. This improvement could cost some residents directly.
As per city policy, the construction costs related to road improvements on an undeveloped road will be funded in accordance with the Local Improvement Act, whereas the construction costs associated with the underground infrastructure upgrades will be funded through city reserve funds.
A letter addressed to residents on Moderwell Street notes that local improvement project costs can be passed onto homeowners at a cost of an estimated $351.94 per square meter of frontage. This is 40 per cent of the total amount normally covered during the building phases.
City officials told the Stratford Times this cost is normally factored into the building costs of new homes, so when a homeowner purchases a home, payment has already been made to the city by the builder. In the case of Moderwell Street, this cost would be outstanding and, therefore, up to the homeowner to pay.
Residents of Moderwell Street were told payment options are available. They can object to the costs, but objections must be submitted in writing to the city before March 27.
Upgrades to the area include the reconfiguring of the intersection of Moderwell Street and Monteith Avenue to allow better turning radiuses for transport trucks, and the removal of one tree in conflict with infrastructure improvements. Street tree planting will take place after the completion of the road work.
Other improvements include installing layby parking on the north side of Moderwell Street, 80 meters east of St. Vincent Street, a boulevard to promote drainage, and an extension of the existing water main and storm-sewer drainage structure.
The city hopes to complete this work before the beginning of school in September to allow for as little disruption of surrounding schools as possible.
The concerns brought up at the event will be addressed at the next infrastructure, transportation and safety subcommittee meeting on March 27 at 4:30 p.m.
Amanda Modaragamage is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with the Stratford Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is a federally-funded program.
