To minimize disruption to homeowners, Virginia Place street work will be delayed until the spring as the city works on the underground portion of the project.

Reconstruction was supposed to start Aug. 1 and be done this fall. Minnesota Energy Resources observed the gas line and said the gas line needed to be addressed before the other city utilities could proceed forward with the project.

The contractor will probably not face penalties due to the project’s delay, said Steven Jahnke, Albert Lea city engineer.

The city hopes underground utility work can begin — if not be completed — this fall. Roadways will be closed off and on as underground work proceeds, Jahnke said.

The delay won’t cost the public any money, said City Manager Chad Adams.

The project involves the total reconstruction of Virginia Place from Fourth Street to Seventh Street, a distance of approximately 1,400 feet, and the total reconstruction of a 1,200 foot, four-block section of Fifth Street from South Broadway to St. John Avenue.

The sidewalk on Virginia Place will be replaced on one side of the street with a wider sidewalk

“It’s unfortunate,” Adams said. “We’ve been working on this project for a long time. The residents have wanted this project done for a long time. We’ve been working with the agencies to complete the project.”

The city doesn’t want to rush the project and put the street in this year before the concrete can settle.

A bid from Ulland Brothers, a paving contractor, for about $2.1 million, was approved in July.

 

Real estate purchase

The Albert Lea City Council approved the purchase of real estate at 1002 Bridge Ave. Monday night by a 4-2 vote.

The real estate, near the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Hawthorne Street, was purchased for $56,000 from the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Agency. Councilors Larry Baker and Al “Minnow” Brooks voted no. Councilors Reid Olson, Larry Anderson, John Schulte and Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. voted yes.

It will be paid for from city reserves, and taxes won’t be raised in connection with the purchase, Rasmussen said.

He said the city has no plans for the property right now. It will remain as a rental property managed through the HRA.

“This purchase is us deciding to be pro-active to buy those properties so decisions can be made on the future of the property,” Rasmussen said. “We’re securing the future of that area.”

Adams said the city has a plan to improve the Bridge Avenue and Hawthorne Street intersection so the intersection has sufficient right-of-way for turns.

If the HRA were to sell the spot to a private property owner, the city may have to take the property, Adams said. He said the decision is saving the taxpayers money in the future.

“We don’t want to have a situation where the city has take the property by force for the betterment of the community,” Rasmussen said.

The city plans on re-engaging with the county this fall on the future of the Bridge Avenue corridor.