Texas side approves deal for sewer project

City officials also discuss Grimm Lofts, which will include 90 units that are 100 percent affordable housing

The Texarkana, Texas, City Council unanimously approved a resolution to enter into a contract for the North Texarkana Sewer Project at its regular meeting Monday night.

Council members voted to move the council vote on the issue to Monday instead of waiting until July 10, after no one spoke about the issue during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

The council authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with RBIS, LLC of Texarkana, Ark., in an amount not to exceed $582,625. The project will consist of installing about 4,300 feet of sewer mains, 1,840 feet of force mains, one lift station, 26 manholes and 18 sewer services and related appurtenances.

Proposed sewer lines will be along Shilling Lane at University Avenue, Hunter’s Ridge and Gunstock Road and on Stonecreek according to the agenda. The proposed force main will also be on Stonecreek.

The council also heard from developers on the Grimm Lofts, LLC.

This project includes restoration and redevelopment of the historic Hotel Grimm, which was built in 1925. The proposed project will preserve the historic elements of the building while completely updating the property.

According to information from developers, the Grimm Lofts will include 90 units that are 100 percent affordable housing.

A public hearing is scheduled for June 26 and a second briefing and vote is scheduled for July 10.

The board also heard a first briefing on an ordinance amending the city’s traffic register to establish a 40 mph speed limit on University Avenue between the beginning of the boulevard section near 6800 University Ave. and Bringle Lake Village Drive, and University Avenue between Shilling Road and Summerhill Road, and amending the city’s traffic register to establish a 35 mph speed limit on Shilling Road between Bringle Ridge Road and east end of University Avenue.