State Street's planned makeover moved a step closer to final approval Monday, as the city Board of Estimates voted to award contracts for bids for the project.
However, the 40-percent increase in projected cost of the project sparked concern from some board members, as well as hints that the issue may be controversial when brought for action at tonight's City Council meeting.
\Forty percent is a significant issue,"" Ald. Warren Onken, District 3, told fellow board members.
Utilities costs are a large part of the increase, said Larry Nelson, a city engineer. Costs for water and sewer systems look to be more than 100 percent over initial estimates. Nelson said there had been discussion about eliminating this part of the renovation, but the water and sewer systems have not been recently redone.
Artistic touches to the street, however, will cost close to what was originally estimated, Nelson said.
Onken expressed concern over news accounts saying a requirement that businesses must be accessible drove the increased cost. He said business accessibility should be a consideration for all street renovations.
""I think we'd be as consistent on Monroe Street or Williamson Street,"" Onken said.
City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, said part of the cost overrun is due to a tight timeline for construction. The city wants the project completed by the time the Overture Center opens in September.
Verveer and Nelson said the city was learning from last year's renovation of West Johnson Street in making plans for State Street's redesign.
-Jennifer Kidd
