How Much Will A New Garbage Bag Vending Machine Cost Us?

There's plenty to dislike about the city's garbage bag vending machine that showed up in front of 520 Warren over 7 years ago.  Well, here's another issue with that eyesore that doesn't get discussed much, if at all, which could and should have been taken care of long ago.  You probably won't be surprised to know that this involves our DPW Superintendent Robert Perry.

Off To A Really Great Start With The DOJ Sidewalk Repair Project!

To comply with the U.S. Department of Justice's 2019 order to repair sidewalks in certain areas of the city, work began last week on curb ramps along Warren Street to make them ADA compliant and safe for all.  The city's newly formed Public Works Board (not DPW) hired a company by the name of Precision Safe Sidewalks (PSS)* to shave curb ramps to certain slope specifications and to remove tripping hazards where sidewalks approach and meet street surfaces. (We also had to hire the local engineering consultant firm Crawford & Associates to oversee this project!)  

Introducing Our Nature-Loving Pals At National Grid

Readers are likely aware that our sidewalks and streets have been much more colorful since National Grid and their contractors showed up last year to replace our natural gas pipes.  Readers may also be aware that National Grid recently decided that spray painting the popular walking trail behind Oakdale Lake was just as necessary and appropriate. 

PRIME?

 

Friday's Features

Here are a few things seen around town this week, including some follow-ups from previous Friday's Features.

Well, it took a few months, but this week DPW finally attended to the damaged storm drain on Carroll Street.  However, it appears they didn't do any structural work, instead just patching the surface.  They were nice enough to leave the loose chunks of asphalt nearby on the grass, too!  Maybe those will make their way back in the street soon.  My guess is that this was just a temporary patch and DPW will have to be back to dive deeper into this drain.  Maybe in 2026.

PSA: Drivers Beware of Beer Party Taking Over Upper State Street On Saturday

There will be an event this Saturday hosted by the Upper Depot Brewery that will close State Street from Green Street to 7th Street between the hours of noon and 7 pm. The event is being billed as a "CAR SHOW WITH TWO CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS, FOOD VENDORS, LIVE MUSIC."  Literally on State Street! DPW Superintendent Robert Perry and Chief of Police Mishanda Franklin reviewed and accepted the application for the event, and Mayor Kamal Johnson approved it.

Introducing Our Rude, Snotty So-Called Adult Who Runs DPW!

While at Stewart's yesterday morning, I noticed our DPW Superintendent pull his city-issued Durango SUV into a parking space.  Considering that Mr. Perry is impossible to find in person (he does not work out of the DPW offices in City Hall) and that he appeared to be on the clock, I waited for him to exit before trying to let him know about a few unattended DPW issues I have been wanting to inform him of in person for several months.  This was my rare opportunity.