A Winter 2023 Update from Springfield Development & Public Works

DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER - WINTER 2023

Welcome to the Winter edition of the Development and Public Works newsletter, and happy 2023. We are looking forward to another exciting and busy year ahead. While 2022 saw the completion of the final GO Bond street projects, there are several other capital projects that will be delivered in the months ahead including pedestrian crossing improvements and wastewater pipe extensions. Additionally, we continue work on state-mandated, as well as necessary infrastructure planning work, including Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities, housing production strategy and analysis, and the City’s wastewater master plan update.

For those who visit our Development Center at City Hall seeking information or applying for permits, 2023 will bring some exciting changes, including an interactive kiosk. Also, as we continually look for ways to improve our customer’s experience, we will be implementing some internal applications to increase efficiencies in the review process as well as some online customer interface improvements to provide a more intuitive experience in the application process.

In this issue of our quarterly newsletter, you can read about the completion of general obligation bond street projects ahead of schedule, and tips for taking care of your lawn without using chemicals, among other great information.

- Jeff Paschall, DPW Community Development Division Director

Community Development

GO Bond Projects Completed Early

The final project funded by general obligation bond 20-296 is complete, which wraps up the series of street projects included with this bond three years ahead of schedule.

Centennial Boulevard between Aspen Street and Prescott Lane received a new layer of asphalt after removing the existing surface. A full redesign and reconstruction of sidewalk ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards was also part of this project. Lane striping and enhanced safety features including green bike lane markings completed the project.

GO bond 20-296 was approved by Springfield voters in 2018, click the button below to read the annual report and see the other projects that were included in this bond.

GO Bond Annual Report

Engineers Week

This past week, February 19-25, was Engineers Week! This year’s theme Creating the Future — recognizes how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations.

One goal of Engineers Week is to inspire students to consider a career as an engineer. Engineers create new possibilities that improve the world by working together to develop new technologies, products, and opportunities.

Our engineering staff from the Community Development Division of Development and Public Works design and plan our City’s infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, storm drains, bioswales, wastewater pipes, traffic control, pedestrian crossings, and much more.

Some of the current projects they’re working on can be found on our current construction projects page.

Current Construction Projects

Environmental Services Division

Explore Springfield's Mill Race

Springfield’s Mill Race is a little-known treasure trove of nature, recreation, history, and local identity. Have you been there recently? Do you know what it used to be, and why it looks this way now?

In March, Springfield Utility Board (SUB) will distribute updated Mill Race information to thousands of Springfield residents included with their monthly utility bill. It’s about the history of the Mill Race, things to do there, and the importance of that area and the quality of water flowing through it.

The Mill Race today is the result of years of careful planning and maintenance so that it can be an asset for you, your family, and the natural world around us. Check it out!

Have a Family-Friendly Lawn to Suit Your Style

Lawn-care season is coming! Do you want a great-looking lawn, but without chemicals that can harm your family, pets, and local rivers? Last year our friends at Oregon State University Extension Service and Follow the Water collaborated to present scientifically proven ways to get the lawn you want, depending on how much time you like to spend working on your yard.

Pages and videos are in English and Español at What's Your Lawn Style?

Low Maintenance

Medium Maintenance

High Maintenance

Operations

Planting More Neighborhood Trees

Springfield’s urban canopy continues to grow! More than 50 trees are being planted this winter on streets like Centennial Blvd, and in neighborhoods throughout our community by City Operations staff. An additional 35 trees are expected to be planted by the Friends of Trees organization reaching even more neighborhoods.

Earlier this month eight trees were planted on MLK Jr. Parkway, N Street between Market and 12th St. also saw new trees planted, and a couple more trees were planted at the corner of S. E St. and 37th St. Some of the trees that are being planted were purchased with funds from a Community Development Block Grant aimed at bringing more trees to more neighborhoods.

Trees are important for our community because of the many benefits they bring. Trees clean the air and provide oxygen. They also help capture rainwater and reduce the amount of runoff that reaches the ground. Trees help cool streets, sidewalks, and buildings by providing additional shade and they add to the beauty of Springfield.

Stay Connected with Springfield

Want to learn more about all that the City of Springfield is doing throughout our community and how you can get involved? Sign up on our website to receive timely information directly in your inbox, specific to the topics that interest you!

From updates on affordable housing to news on traffic safety upgrades, and volunteer opportunities to help keep our waterways clean, we offer a variety of ways to stay connected with Springfield. Subscribe to any of these email lists using the button below.

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City of Springfield

Development and Public Works

541.726.3753

dpw@springfield-or.gov

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