MP preparing for summer construction

Mt. Pleasant is preparing for summer construction, with dates for bid lettings and public hearings set on two reconstruction projects throughout the city.

The goal of both projects - the Bergdahl Court and Hayward Circle project and the central business district reconstruction projects - are to improve the stormwater drainage structures and piping and remove and replace the existing paving on those streets. The Mt. Pleasant city council approved bid letting dates and public hearings for both projects during a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

The first street reconstruction project is about five blocks on the northwest side of town on Bergdahl Court, West Hill Avenue and North Hayward Circle.

Mayor Steve Brimhall said that the streets need work.

'If you drive it right now, you'll see why it's next on the list,” Brimhall said. 'It needs to be done.”

Bid letting for the West Bergdahl and Hill/Hayward street reconstruction project will be Tuesday, March 12, at 3 p.m. A public hearing is Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m.

The second project is the central business district street reconstruction project, which includes South Jefferson Street from Lay Street to Washington Street; Main Street from Washington Street to Madison Street; and Monroe Street from Jefferson Street to Main Street.

A bid letting for this project is Tuesday, March 19, at 3 p.m., and a public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m.

The city council also approved purchasing the house at 306 N. Lee Street for $5,000. Brimhall said a lot of complaints have been received about the property, and the plan is to purchase the house and demolish it. Current owner of the property, Janice Carpenter, has agreed to sell it to the city.

'This is in very poor condition,” Brimhall said. 'It's a good purchase for us and a good way for an owner to get rid of something that would cost a whole lot of money to get rid of.”

The city will accept bids on demolishing the project at a later date. The total cost of the project should cost no more than $10,000, Brimhall said.

The city plans to close on the property on March 29 to give the owner enough time to move out any personal effects.

The next Mt. Pleasant City Council meeting is Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.