LACIE SILVA
Writer
Long-discussed plans to bring water and electricity to the Front Street Island in Normandy are finally moving forward, marking a significant improvement for the area and fulfilling a long-awaited infrastructure goal.
In a coordinated effort, George Dickel has offered to handle the trenching work necessary to install utility lines across Front Street. Due to code regulations, electric and water lines must be run in separate trenches. As a result, two separate trenches will be created from Front Street to the island. This infrastructure upgrade will allow for essential utilities to reach the island, particularly supporting the landscaped plantings that Dickel previously installed.
The city has entered into a cooperative agreement: Dickel will cover the cost of installing the infrastructure, and in return, the city will assume responsibility for the utility bills. The logistics of connecting to existing infrastructure are expected to be straightforward. The Craddocks’ existing water tap remains in place for a nearby vacant lot, and it only requires a meter installation and a pipe connection to begin service.
On the electrical side, current holiday lighting setups have been relying on a plug hanging from a nearby streetlight—a method that bypasses proper metering and lacks ground fault protection, in violation of electrical codes. This informal solution has prompted coordination with Duck River EMC. While the utility provider has indicated some flexibility, the upcoming trenching work will allow for proper and code-compliant service to be established. The trenches will include protective sleeves to accommodate future changes or repairs without disrupting newly laid pavement.
Initially, there was concern that paving work on Front Street would interfere with the trenching timeline. However, updates suggest paving won’t begin until late summer, giving the utility work ample time to be completed beforehand. Avery Smith of Dickel had hoped to begin work earlier, but plans were delayed to avoid interference with the recent First Friday music night. Barring any further delays, the trenching is expected to begin in the coming weeks, likely resulting in some street closures by the next Saturday’s farmers market.
The effort represents progress on a project that has been years in the making. Much like the recent railroad crossing improvements, this development reflects the culmination of persistent planning and advocacy to improve public spaces in the area.
