Cochran Road under fire

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by Brent Hovey

Reporter

Aurora -- Discussion on an issue which wasn't even on the agenda occupied much of City Council's April 28 meeting.

Residents on and near Cochran Road expressed displeasure, calling the road "nearly undriveable."

They would like to see the city repair the road this year, but that's not in the city's plans.

"It seems ridiculous to do any other road other than Cochran," said John Virost.

"It's a safety issue and it needs to be addressed right away," added Pete Gugliotta.

Mayor Lynn McGill said it is not on the city's 2008 paving list. More so, the cost of the project -- an estimated $1.5 million -- makes it unlikely to happen this year.

McGill said the city needs state Issue 2 money, which it will apply for by May 30, to help cover the cost. Any Issue 2 money would not be available until July 2009.

In the meantime, Service Director John Trew said the city will use hot mix asphalt to repair what it can.

"We'll do what we can to make the road more driveable, but it won't be the best, just better," he said.

"July 2009 is totally unacceptable," Virost said. "Patching it is not working. There's patch over patch and it's not safe. We absolutely need the road fixed."

Councilman John Kudley agreed with the residents.

"This is something that should have been done a long time ago," he said. "I don't think we can wait and hope for Issue 2 funds. We need to look for other funding this year. Residents have been waiting a long time."

"FOR FOUR or five years, I've been calling City Hall to complain [about the condition of Cochran]," said Terry Gugliotta. "They tell me to call the service department and they say there's no money. I feel like I've been given the runaround."

Trew said without Issue 2 funds, it would be possible to do Cochran repaving, but it would take a bigger appropriation from Council.

In addition to the condition of the road, the residents aren't pleased with how it looks.

"When I give someone directions, I try to have them avoid that road because it doesn't look good," said resident Debbie Elliott.

"There is trash and and it looks awful. It leads to a beautiful neighborhood, and we deserve a nice road."

Council President Jim Fisher suggested the issue be placed on the service-utilities-safety committee agenda. Members of that panel vowed to discuss the matter May 6. From there, it would go to the finance committee.

"It's still unacceptable," Virost said. "There's no berm, all the road is berm. It's ridiculous."

E-mail:

bhovey@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115