Streets and Facilities outlines 2026 paving plan: about 45 blocks, major state funding and local capacity limits

Streets and Facilities staff briefed the Committee of the Whole on May 13 about the city’s 2026 mill‑and‑pave program and the operational constraints that shape which blocks can be repaved this season.

The department said the 2026 plan targets roughly 45 city blocks—about 700,000 square feet of asphalt—along with 70–88 curb ramps and approximately 4,000 linear feet of curbing. Staff described use of a pavement condition index (PCI), developed with Cornell and the Local Roads program, to prioritize blocks and explained that coordination with NYSDOT, utilities and other municipal partners is essential to avoid repeated cuts into newly paved streets.

Finance and operations details: staff reported the city budgets about $200,000 for road materials while about $4.1 million is provided by the state for this type of paving work, meaning state funds represent the majority of program funding.

Operational limits and supply chain: streets staff and contractors said the city averages 41–45 blocks per year using a mix of city crews and contractors; increasing that output would require additional hires, training and equipment. They also said regional asphalt plant reliability has sometimes required longer hauls from more distant plants, which increases cost and scheduling risk.

Project timing and coordination: staff said a mill‑and‑pave contract is under attorney review and should be put out to bid in the coming weeks. Council asked about several specific projects including Stewart Avenue (design work ongoing) and Buffalo Street (sewer reconstruction and subsequent paving), and staff described the sequencing challenges—water/sewer crews often need to complete underground work before paving crews can finish a block.

Staff emphasized that schedules remain subject to change because of weather and emergency repairs, and that the department will share a public map and press release to help residents understand planned work and updates.

Council and staff also discussed long‑term capital planning and the potential to direct additional resources toward infrastructure to reduce deferred maintenance over time.