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Water main project creates friction between neighborhood, city, and water company

Tensions between the city of Lexington and Kentucky American Water are simmering.

The complaint centers on repair projects in the Chevy Chase area, where frustrated business owners are voicing their concerns about patches of gravel in the sidewalks they say present a hazard for shoppers and other pedestrians.

Kevin Heathcote, co-owner of Bourbon and Toulouse, told WKYT the paths need to be cleared, especially for those with disabilities.

"We still have all these trip hazards. People are getting stuck in wheelchairs in front of businesses on a public sidewalk, and that's just unacceptable," he said.

The dispute has found its way to city hall, with Mayor Linda Gorton backing the business owners, who are pressing for faster response on the water main repair projects. That's despite the limited control the city has in matters dealing with utilities, according to Gorton.

Susan Lancho with Kentucky American notes that the project underway is no small task, as more than 4,000 feet of aging water main is being replaced and upgraded. She said the project requires a number of steps, and the company needs to get temporary pavement on roadways before moving on to concrete sidewalks.

"These aren't quick projects. They take a long time. They're very involved. Multiple entities are involved in them," she said.

As for completion, Kentucky American says it expects full site restoration to be finished by the end of September at the latest.