Cloverdale ready to move forward on Stormwater Project

After a few hiccups, the Cloverdale Town Council is prepared to move forward with a stormwater project that could, potentially, help alter the town in a positive way. 

The hiccups came after the town officials found out that bids for the project came in over initial estimates. That news prompted town manager Jason Hartman to have to re-bid the project. 

In addition, there have now been changes to the scope of the project. Cloverdale was awarded a $600 thousand grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs last year to put towards the project and the rest of the funds will come from the town. 

The initial scope called for relief and improvements across Cloverdale, including Stardust Hills and Doe Creek Drive. In Stardust Hills, the plans called for the installation of 70 feet of 12-inch pipe, 80 feet of 18-inch pipe and 70 feet of 24-inch pipe as well as a rehab of the road and Stardust Way being resurfaced with ditch excavation work. For Doe Creek, there was to have been 165 feet of 12-inch pipe, 325 feet of 15-inch pipe, ditch excavation work and road rehab. 

Under the new plan, Stardust Hills, the fire department area, South Doe Creek and the northeast portion of the business district are slated to receive upgrades and improvements. 

Cloverdale Town Council President Brandon Tancak said it is a "good feeling" knowing work can start.

"It is a good feeling and knowing that the construction can start this summer is an even better feeling," Tancak told The Putnam County Post. 

Tancak said council is working hard to try and draw businesses and new residents to Cloverdale. 

"We are trying to make Cloverdale the place people see as a place to move to and a place to bring businesses to. We are committed to doing our best and bringing this type of infrastructure up to par as it has been neglected over the years. Sometimes the public doesn't see the money that has to be spent in order to maintain or improve something and this will be one of those instances for the most part," Tancak admitted. 

He acknowledged he believes Cloverdale is a "hidden gem." 

"Cloverdale is just that, and we are bringing the town up to modern terms, slowly. I tell everyone it's going to take that one business to move in and the flood gates will open and the rest will fall into place. Projects take time and money. We are moving Cloverdale in the right direction, one step at a time. The current council has the best interest of the town in mind and we see what we have to offer. I am confident that the work we have put in and the work we have left to go will pay off in the near future," Tancak said.