Belleville Councillor Jack Miller, March 29, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville has decided to go ahead with Phase Two of the downtown revitalization even though it goes over budget.
After paying for phase 1 and parts of phase 2, there is just under 7 million dollars left before spending hits the original budget of 21 million dollars.
During a lengthy debate at city council, both Councillors Paul Carr and Mitch Panciuk questioned carrying out infrastructure upgrades on the Front street section from Victoria Avenue to Bridge Street.
Panciuk called for more study.
Councillor Jackie Denyes said she was frustrated in hearing the same questions over and over and said, “Let’s get this done.”
Councillor Jack Miller pointed out “the need is critical” and the city has a responsibility to have clean water and there are already signs of discoloration.
City council awarded the contract to Len Corcoran Excavating for just over $8 million and the city will borrow another $1.3 million for the project.
