Riverwalk $500k Rennovation
Rob Gerke Jr.
Riverside Review
ON THE PATH TO IMPROVEMENT - Bike enthusiasts Tim Lennon and Rick Tomm Monday afternoon enjoying the Riverwalk. When told about the pending improvements, they were delighted, and expressed hope that they would have to dodge less broken glass.
July 2000: Renovations on the city portion of the Riverwalk should begin by the end of summer, as the half-million dollar bid was recently awarded to Man O’ Trees, Inc.
Because it is already half way through the summer, and since the work has to be done in the warm months, there is a very tight construction schedule.
With this in mind, County Executive Joel Giambra pushed for a rapid approval of funding for this project by the County Legislature.
It is hoped that work will begin shortly after Labor Day so as to not interfere with summertime activities along the waterfront. If all goes well, work should be complete by winter.
For years, the Riverwalk has been in decay, and some say poses a danger to the people who use it. According to the memorandum issued by the Erie County Dept. of Public Works, "The work is necessary in order to maintain safety for the public users of the Riverwalk."
From the Ontario Street turnaround on the north end to Broderick Park on the south, the Riverwalk will be torn up, and everything will be replaced, down to the asphalt and concrete.
There will also be other renovations including: fixing and / or replacing the railing and fencing along the walk, and replacing beat up garbage cans. Also, new benches will be put in place along the Riverwalk.
In addition to these repairs, there will be much landscaping work done. New trees and bushes will be planted, as well as a general upkeep of the grounds.
Legislator Al DeBenedetti stated that he is "extremely pleased" that the plans were able to be developed in such a "timely fashion," and that hopefully the "half million dollar deal to start construction will begin in a couple of weeks."
The City Riverwalk Renovations project received bids from various contractors on June 29th. The lowest responsible bidder, was Man O’ Trees, Inc. with a total contract award of $504,481.
Also, a construction contingency fund was established in the amount of $43,519. This is for use under the authorization of the Commissioner of Public Works to approve change orders in the renovations.
Funds for the project are available from the previously approved 2000 county budget.
