SPRINGFIELD – At a March 9 Springfield Economic and Development Agency meeting, board members approved an offer from the Oregon Department of Transportation that includes construction of sidewalks around the old US Bank building at 437 Main Street.
Jeremy Sherer, the city surveyor, said the acquisition is part of ODOT’s statewide effort to upgrade approximately 27,000 curb ramps under the Astoria-Cottage Grove Curb Ramps Project. He said the state has offered $1,700, or around $16 per square foot, for one permanent and two temporary construction easements at the northwest corner of 5th and A streets, and the southeast corner of 5th and Main.
“I think $16 a square foot is reasonable,” Sherer said.
According to city documents, approval of the easements will allow a timely delivery of a state ADA-compliance infrastructure project consistent with City and SEDA goals.
Board president Alan Stout asked whether there would be any material impact on the property’s value once construction was complete.
“It’s such a small area that I don’t see the value of the property diminishing,” Sherer said. “I don’t know how you’d even measure it.”
The board approved the offer and authorized the city manager to execute it.
