Huntingburg board backs concrete under Fourth Street pavers after merchant concerns

The Huntingburg Board of Public Works and Safety voted to pursue installing concrete under the brick pavers on Fourth Street, a move board members said would extend the roadway’s life and reduce future maintenance complications. "I think we need to put concrete under the pavers," one member said during a lengthy debate that balanced upfront cost against long-term benefit.

The decision follows months of engineering review and merchant outreach. Board members and the city’s engineer discussed options including asphalt, plain concrete and concrete under the existing pavers. Supporters said the concrete-under-pavers approach offers the best design life and makes later utility cuts less visible because the brick can be removed, flipped and replaced. Opponents and several merchants raised concerns about lost business during construction and the overall cost, which the board said will require council action to fund.

Members discussed staging to lessen economic impacts — keeping one lane or one side open at a time, shifting parking, and timing work to avoid major events. The board noted state community‑crossings funds cannot be used on brick streets, limiting grant options and increasing reliance on local funds or bonds.

Board members instructed staff to proceed with engineering and bidding preparations, with a tentative construction window discussed for 2027. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Next steps include completing engineering specifications, developing a bid calendar that limits work during key events (jazz festival, Daffodil Stroll), and coordinating a merchant notification and mitigation plan for business impacts.