Editor,
The city of Decatur recently made a huge safety improvement on outer Grant Street. At the low-water bridge crossing Decatur Branch, the drive is private property. The drive goes to the apartment buildings and to DARP. The city also uses this driveway to access city property and Well No. 5.
Since the driveway is private, the city cannot spend public money on repairs. Anytime a heavy rain occurs, the driveway becomes unsafe for traffic. There was no alternative route, making for a bad situation for residents of the area which the city could not fix.
About three years ago, the city learned that Well No. 5 and the surrounding property was not city-owned, prompting the city to purchase the land. The city now owns this 13-acre parcel which includes Well No. 5.
Earlier this spring, heavy rains flooded the area again and residents on the west side of the low-water bridge were unable to exit the area and access public streets or highways. As a result, the city completed an alternative route, using land the city purchased to create a gravel lane around the low-water bridge and to a city street. The lane is not a city street and there are no immediate plans to make it a street, but it will be used as an emergency access route.
The city has fenced and gated the entrance to this lane, leaving an opening for walkers and bicyclists. The lane is posted as an emergency route and will usually be locked.
The city also added a water-measuring device at the low-water bridge so people won't drive into high water.
When the water is high, residents are asked to call 479-752-3911 and the police department will open the gate for traffic.
Bob Tharp
Decatur Mayor
Editorial on 06/06/2018