Dear Residents of Elm Avenue:

November 2009

Dear Residents of Elm Avenue:

Last fall we wrote advising you that Elm Avenue was going to be repaved during DelDOT’s 2009 construction season. In June, the paving contract was awarded to Fontana Concrete Contractors. The expectation was that all of the utility work associated with the Route 141 improvements, in the area of Elm Avenue, would be completed by fall allowing Fontana to repave.

We have recently been told that Artesian Water Company will need to rebuild the shoulder, on a portion of Elm Avenue, once they have completed the installation of the water line. As part of the utility’s franchise agreement with the State the utility is required to repair any Right-of-Way that is disturbed during their construction project. Because of the necessity of this repair, a decision has been made to delay the repaving of Elm Avenue until next spring.

If the DelDOT contractor were to repave Elm Avenue now, it would be necessary for them to rebuild this shoulder prior to the repaving. This would not only add to the cost of the repaving contract but there would be no guarantee that the ongoing utility construction wouldn’t damage your new shoulder or pavement. While we regret that Elm Avenue will not be repaved this season, we believe that, under the circumstances, this is the best decision.

We have been guaranteed that Elm Avenue will be on the first contract in the spring of 2010. In conjunction with the repaving of Elm Avenue we have funded an additional estimate to have Brookland Avenue from Hillside Avenue to North Woodward Avenue repaved. Although there is no guarantee, we have asked that both projects be coordinated to keep the construction disturbance in Brookland Terrace to a minimum.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to continuing to assist with upgrading the roadways within your community.

Sincerely.

Patricia M. Blevins
State Senator
7th District

Deborah Hudson
State Representative
12th District