Gas leaks reason for Kinsey sidewalk confusion

Gas leaks, and not miscommunication, were the reason a newly-built sidewalk was torn up by Duke Energy.

In a report to City Council, City Manager Milton Dohoney says that, in June 2007, Duke Energy detected multiple leaks in the gas main under Kinsey Avenue in Mount Auburn.

Instead of repairing the leaks, Duke elected to replace the entire gas main, requiring them to tear up sidewalks that the City had completed in November 2006 as part of the Mount Auburn Street Rehabilitation Project.

Dohoney's report is the result of a letter, dated September 21, from attorney Jeffrey Bakst alleging "gross mismanagement" on the part of the City for squandering thousands of dollars by not coordinating their project with Duke.

Dohoney adds that the City's Department of Transportation and Engineering holds quarterly Infrastructure Coordinating Committee meetings with public and private utility companies, and works with these same companies during their project planning and design phases.

On top of permit fees paid to the City, Duke will be required to repave the street and to replace all of the curbs and sidewalks at their own expense.

Previous reading on BC:
Attorney alleges "gross mismanagement" on sidewalks project (10/31/07)