FARMINGTON -- Residents in a small section of Burke Lane will get curb, gutter and asphalt in their neighborhood and will help pay for the work, even if they don't want the improvements.
The city council voted unanimously Tuesday to put into effect extension agreements on a section of Burke Lane near 1825 West, citing the need to add safety improvements in the area. Several neighbors spoke against the work, despite the agreements.
"Four of us that live there really don't want curb, gutter and sidewalk. We recognize progress happens," Kyle Stowell told city officials before the vote. He asked council members to work with neighbors in addressing the issue.
Mike Wilden said he was unaware of the extension agreements when he bought a home on Burke Lane. He sees no value in the improvements.
"It's devastating to learn I have to pay for the costs of improvements. These improvements will not add to the resale value of my existing property," Wilden said. He said he won't be able to recover the costs of the work.
The city will pick up a percentage of costs for the work. The council agreed to pay 50 percent of the costs for the asphalt work and to extend terms to neighbors left paying for a percentage of the work.
The city will front the money for the work and will offer participants interest-free options for three years, then implement an interest rate of prime plus 2 percent for years 4 and 5, if the reimbursement has not been met. If residents have not paid back the city within five years, officials will use liens to secure payment.
Mayor Scott Harbertson stressed the need to address safety issues as part of the work, saying:
"I look at Burke Lane and it's going to be a busy, busy road for cars and pedestrians. We need to make sure we do all we can to make it a safe area."
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