Tom’s a morning person, apparently
In her editor’s note, Amy Augustine mentioned that not only would you be treated to fall guide content, but you’d still have plenty of regular ol’ Insider content to peruse, too.
One of the Insider’s weekly features takes a look at the myth, the man, the legend – City Manager Tom Aspell and his riveting weekly memo.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is that fine feature. Welcome to City Briefly.
Just like every other week, Tom talked construction. Here’s what he had to say about the Loudon Road water main replacement:
“The contractor, F.L. Merrill Construction, is scheduled to start work on this project on Sept. 20,” he wrote. “Construction will occur between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. The following week, work will occur Sunday through Thursday and will continue with that schedule for the duration of the project.”
C’mon, Tom. Couldn’t you have scheduled this during more convenient hours? We’re doing a lot of driving from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. We’re night owls.
“Construction will start on Hazen Drive and proceed east to Burns Avenue,” he continued, letting us what streets to avoid.
“Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction during the work hours. Motorists should expect dalys and seek alternate routes if possible.”
Waaaaaah! (That’s us crying.)
More one-lane traffic
Okay, we’re done throwing a hissy fit. We’ve matured since that last paragraph and will act like the professional, upstanding reporters we are . . . under one condition – no more construction news. Got it, Tom?
“Work resumed on Sept. 7,” Tom wrote regarding the North State Street corridor project.
Wait a minute, we don’t like the sound of this.
“The contractor has begun the replacement of the existing stone box culvert in Clarke Street with a new 30-inch reinforced concrete pipe to act as the new storm sewer trunk like serving the North State and Lake Street area.”
Stop using fancy words like “box culvert” and “30-inch reinforced concrete pipe” to distract us, Mr. City Manager. We know what you’re getting at – there’s going to be more one-lane traffic this week, isn’t there? ISN’T THERE?
“Due to the nature of this work, traffic will be restricted to one lane during hours of operation; typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.”
Say it ain’t so!
“Delays are to be expected and the public is encouraged to seek alternative routes if possible. We thank motorists for their patience as we pursue these much needed improvements,” Tom added in an attempt to make amends.
Fine, we accept your non-apology. But next week give us some good news, all right?
Trust us, all the good stuff is here. But if you want more city memo, visit onconcord.com/citymanager.com.
