Kudos to the city and to Watson Asphalt, the paving contractor, on the recent Avalon Drive/Avalon Place paving project. The job appears to have been done with forethought and care. The city and contract workers on all phases of the project (engineering, drainage and paving) were professional in every way — organized, focused on their tasks, but still willing to take time to communicate with neighbors and address concerns.

The resulting product is attractive. Better yet, it seems to be working. We’ve now had the first big downpour since the new storm drains went in, and the system appears to be passing the test. The vast majority of the street water is getting channeled into the drains — no longer streaming down driveways and onto lawns. The road surface is even. The shoulder areas are more attractive, functional and “walkable,” too.

Thanks again to you and also to traffic staff person Nick Afzali for supervising this project from the early outreach phase last winter clear through to completion. At a time when many folks seem to hold a dim view of “bureaucrats” and of “government,” we’re glad to be acquainted with some “bureaucrats” who do such a good job.

Lucy and Michael Copass