Manchester's Update on MoDOT Mowing Issue

 received an update from Manchester Public Works Department Director Bob Ruck this week on the  

(See previous articles below for more details.)

Ruck offered a recap of the events which recently led up to

and state leaders toured the area in June, then 

MoDOT told However, that information was apparently not relayed to Manchester city leaders.

"No response was received by the City of Manchester by June 22," Ruck said. He explained that Aldermen Michael Clement then contacted MoDOT on June 25 asking for its response and the response was received by the city on June 26.

Ruck said MoDOT agreed to continue mowing both sides of the sidewalk along Howard George Drive, but also pointed out that decision had already been made earlier in the year.

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MoDOT also agreed to do two complete mowings of the detention areas by Bromfield Terrace and Howard George Drive along Route 141, according Ruck.

They have agreed to a complete "mow out" on the the third and final mowing this fall in the residential areas that are of concern to Manchester city leaders.

"While we are thankful for the concessions that we received, we still believe we have a way to go yet," Ruck said.

Manchester resident Dave Smith offered his thanks to aldermen for pursuing the issue.

"I'd like to thank the board for taking up the cause," Smith said. "I think attention to these kinds of details is quite important. It's the kind of thing that makes people want to move in and stay with the city. I would encourage you to keep after it." 

Ruck tells Patch that city staff and officials will meet with MoDOT after the scheduled July mowing where they will review that mowing and the current situation, plus discuss the upcoming third mowing in September, after Labor Day.

As previously reported by Patch, MoDOT would either give or sell the land to the city or residents and then the new owner would maintain the grass. This option is still be evaluated at this time.

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