The Bridgeport News
by Jeff Toquinto, NEWS EDITOR
BRIDGEPORT (Thursday, November 28, 2002)
Although engineering work is in full swing for a new 1 million gallon water tank for use at Charles Pointe and a potential new United Hospital Center, Bridgeport is still looking at acquiring the necessary rights-of-way and easements to make the project move ahead.
City Manager Kim Haws told members of council Monday evening that the acquisition of easements will be the final step in getting the $1.5 million project funded by an EDA grant rolling. Haws said that won’t be a problem.
"Nearly every piece of property we need to get an easement for or go through is from a property owner that has an interest in the project," said Haws. "Regardless, there is no development at all in the areas the infrastructure from the grant will go through.
"Although the city has an idea as to where the water tank will go, as well as the related 9,000 linear feet of water and sewage lines and pump station, the engineering work currently being done by Thrasher Engineering will show the city exactly where the infrastructure should go.
"We’re working on a water model right now to see how it will impact the rest of the city’s system," said Haws. "It will show us the best way to go with this project."
The city received the EDA grant in late September.
Also on Monday, the council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance making the roadway situated between Bridgeport High School and Johnson Elementary a public street. The road in question goes from Johnson Avenue to Bridgeport City Park.
The road will have the name City Park Drive when it is officially added to the city’s roadway. That should happen at the Dec. 9 meeting of the Bridgeport City Council when the second reading on the ordinance takes place.
According to City Attorney Norm Farley, the dedication does not mean the property is conveyed to the city. It only means the city will have jurisdiction on the roadway and will be tasked with maintenance, law enforcement and other issues.
With that in mind, council member Ruth Allen asked Haws about the lighting along the roadway and particularly, its entrance. Haws said the matter has been looked at by the city and will likely receive some sort of additional lighting after it officially becomes a city street
