Knox Mayor Dennis Estok wants citizen input on a proposed street resurfacing project with historical implications. The city’s application for Community Crossings grant money from the state will include an update to Water Street west from Heaton Street past Wythogan Park to Mound Street.
It’s one of a handful of remaining brick streets within the Knox city limits. However, Estok says that area is in need of some improvements.
“We’re looking at redoing every one of the curbs and the sidewalks. Every one of them, and actually overlaying the brick with three inches.”
He admits that will upset some people. Estok adds brick is also an option, but there are several factors to consider. For instance, matching bricks aren’t available, as the existing ones are at least 100 years old. That means all new brick would have to be put down in order to maintain the same appearance. He estimates cobbling that stretch of roadway would cost between $500 and $750,000.
Estok adds there are practical considerations at stake as well.
“It’s rough. There’s a lot of brick missing. A lot of brick are disintegrating.The surface area is starting to come off.”
Even if matching brick could be found, the repairs would cost the city quite a bit of money.
Estok stresses he wants to hear from the public about which option they favor. He also notes the project is contingent on receiving the three-to-one matching money from the state. Contact the mayor’s office at 574-772-4553 or at mayor@cityofknox.net
