The Hamlet Town Council is expected to choose a contractor for its Railroad Street project tonight. The project would upgrade the road west of Starke Street with wider pavement, possibly new sidewalks, and other improvements. Last week, the town council opened bids from three companies. They ranged from just over $318,000 to nearly $344,000 for the entire project, but the town has the option to scale it back.
Council member Brian Earnest suggested aiming for a $200,000 project. Since the town plans to apply for a Community Crossings matching grant, that would keep the town’s share at $50,000. “I mean, looking at what we had in EDIT, I wouldn’t want to go much over $50,000 of our own money,” Earnest said. “We don’t want to wipe it clean.”
Since last week’s meeting, Engineer Lee Nagai and Town Attorney Martin Bedrock have been reviewing the bids. Council members are expected to make a decision during a special session tonight at 6:30 at Hamlet Town Hall. The Community Crossings grant application is due next week.
