Monroe Park Diary: Sidewalk Follies

Just because I want to see a big chunk of money spent on Monroe Park, doesn't mean I want to see any of it wasted. Todd has sent out an alert regarding a large sum of money the city is spending on sidewalk repairs on the Laurel Street edge of Monroe Park which will probably have to be redone as part of Master Plan for the new park. The city has no money to waste. If it has this kind of cash sitting around it should be put where it can do the most good. Read Todd's letter and act accordingly.

From Todd Woodson:

Friends,

The ENTIRE length of Laurel Street sidewalk bordering Monroe Park is now in the process of being replaced with concrete slab which is inconsistent with the master plan for Monroe Park adopted by the city. This project represents an area I measured today at 860 feet in length by 15 feet in width consisting of a total of 12,900 square feet. At $5 per square foot, this represents an investment of AT LEAST $64,500.00 which will in turn be demolished in 1-2 years to CORRECTLY repair the sidewalk according to master plan specifications. Concrete will be poured at noon today. The city is aware of this conflict.

Doug Mahby who is in charge says it is necessary to do concrete now to keep people from tripping. Folks- this concrete sidewalk is the same as it's been for 25+ years. An alternative would be to post signs saying use at your own risk. It is an egregious waste of taxpayer dollars- many taxpayer dollars to prematurely fix this sidewalk on an interim basis.

Director of DPW Letitia Shelton has been advised of this horrible situation as has Auditor Umesh Dalal.

It is time the City stopped playing fast and loose with taxpayer dollars. With redundant demolition, this boondoggle could cost the city well over $100,000.00.
DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

Doug Mahby's contact info is above. His phone # is 646 0110 although he has not returned my call.

Sincerely,

Charles T. Woodson
302 S Cherry Street
Richmond, Va 23220