The Hillsdale City Council has voted to move forward with stripped-down versions of three major street projects for this year.
During their most recent meeting, Council voted to reduce the scope of three projects to match available funds, instead of using special assessments to share costs with property owners.
The move comes after property owners in the work zones on Industrial Drive, Oak Street, and South Street turned in petitions signalling their opposition to the districts.
Council directed city staff to find alternatives for moving forward with the projects.
City Engineer Rob Stiverson estimates the current plan could save nearly $918,000, which is just shy of the $935,000 that was lost when the Special Assessment Districts failed.
The stripped-down option involves cutting some property-enhancing features, including curb and gutter replacement, sidewalk repairs, and driveway work, to lower costs.
Officials said those features account for about 25% of the original project costs.
To formalize the change, Council amended policy so that not every street project will require a special assessment.
Projects without assessments will focus on paving and basic repairs, while projects with property owner support can include full improvements.
Council shot down a motion to levy a half mill to complete a stretch of Oak Street between Fayette Academy Lane, which was initially part of the overall plan for reconstruction.
That stretch will not be part of this year’s plan for improvements.