Leaders want to trim cost of plaza updates
With all options on table, project could cost $3.7 million.
TROY — Miami County commissioners said they want to spend around $3 million for a Courthouse Plaza update and explored ways to reduce costs from a more expensive proposal.
Consultants from Garmann-Miller Architects and Engineers spent Friday with commissioners going page by page through proposed project plans.
Earlier in the week, those updated plans were outlined for commissioners, who were told the project could cost $3.5 million to $3.7 million, if all options were included.
The project would be paid for using county reserves.
“I like the $3 million. I don’t like over $3 million,” said Commission President Greg Simmons, adding he was “a little apprehensive” to see estimates heading toward $4 million.
The other two commissioners agreed. “I’d say $3 million is the direction we want to be,” said Commissioner Jack Evans.
Among proposed changes for the area near the 1880s county Courthouse and the 1970s Safety Building to its east in downtown Troy were replacing two fountains located between the buildings with one larger fountain in front of the courthouse and removing small steps and deteriorating paver bricks identified as tripping hazards between the two buildings.
The proposed project includes new lighting, concrete walkways, bricks reflecting the colors/patterns of floors inside the courthouse, landscaping and a relocated county police memorial. The project also would include underground work such as repairing a tunnel between buildings and filling in other tunnels built with the courthouse.
During the detailed review, commissioners agreed to eliminate a $167,000 snow melt system proposed under main sidewalks.
Commissioners agreed to hold public meetings on the plans in the afternoon and evening Feb. 20. The times and locations were being finalized.
After those meetings, the final plans and a bid schedule will be addressed.
The possibility of beginning work yet this year and finishing in 2020 also was discussed.