News - Jackson City Council Approves Ganson Street Repaving

JACKSON, MI – The Jackson City Council has taken significant steps to improve the city’s infrastructure by approving an $819,300 plan for the repaving of Ganson Street, from Elm Avenue to the eastern city limits. The decision, made on Tuesday, addresses the road’s deteriorating condition, marked by extensive cracks and numerous potholes. This ambitious project will be funded through various financial sources. A notable $246,150 will be collected from assessments on 58 local properties. Additionally, city resources will contribute $66,749 from major street funds, and a substantial $506,400 will come from a federal Surface Transportation Program grant. The property owner assessments will range from $200 to $32,431, spread over ten payments, with the first being interest-free. The special assessments must be settled in ten installments, with the initial payment interest-free on the first summer tax bill. Subsequent payments will have a 2.90% annual interest, payable each summer until complete payment. Ganson Street is infamous for its unfavorable driving conditions. City Engineer Troy White emphasized the urgency, noting, ‘It’s got potholes, it’s cracked up. While the underlying pavement is decent, the surface has unfortunately failed. Anyone who has driven through it can attest that it needs urgent attention.’ The repaving project will involve milling off the existing surface, laying new asphalt, and conducting necessary sidewalk repairs. The project also includes replacing lead lines, offering a more comprehensive upgrade to the area. Construction is scheduled to start in June and aims to conclude in a few months. Traffic will be redirected via Michigan Avenue during this period. Nevertheless, the financial aspect of the project has raised concerns among residents, notably Katrina Klavon, a Ganson Street resident, who is worried about the cost impact on local residents. ‘I can’t imagine everybody being able to afford this,’ Klavon remarked. To alleviate potential financial burdens, the city established a Street Assessment Relief Fund. This program is intended to subsidize up to 50% of certain residents’ assessments, providing up to $5,000 in relief. Eligibility depends on occupancy and household income within 80% of the Area Median Income for Jackson County, estimated at around $67,000 for a family of four. Despite these efforts, the council’s approval was not unanimous, with the assessment passing by a 6–1 vote. Councilmember Will Forgrave was the sole dissenter, citing a past effort in October 2024, stating, ‘We’ve shown it’s unnecessary, and consistency is key in our decisions.’ This decision reflects a change of heart from past councils, which had faced criticism over similar financial approaches. In 2024, a proposed $2.3 million reconstruction for Lansing Avenue was rejected due to strong opposition over projected costs. The decision marks a step forward in addressing Jackson’s infrastructural needs, with careful consideration of its impact on residents. As work begins, attention will remain on the effectiveness of relief efforts and the project’s timely execution.