During Monday’s city council work session, Councilman Randy Daversa, R-At Large and chair of the Public Works committee said someone from the DOT was down at the area on the day of the meeting and that they have agreed to help the city do what they can right now to fix the problem. It was noted that the work will be split half and half between them and the city.

“They have been down there — somebody sent me some pictures,” Daversa said. “They’re at least trying to get the worst holes patched. Anything right now is going to help.”

Director of Public Works, Mark Roetzer, said that the city’s main role for the street is maintenance, and that there has been talks about a temporary solution with the DOT, but nothing solid has been set yet. Mayor Kim Ecklund added to that, saying there is some misunderstanding what the city’s role of doing maintenance on Second Street entails.

“It is a state road,” Ecklund said. “By us doing maintenance that means plowing and filling the holes, really. People are thinking we are responsible for doing the whole road and that it’s ours, that is not true.”

A carise pictured driving avoiding potholes at the intersection of Second and Winsor streets in Jamestown last week. P-J file photo by John Whittaker

Ecklund said she wanted to make sure that it was said that when talking about the city’s role doing maintenance that, unfortunately, it is only simple maintenance that they are able and allowed to do.

“It really does unfortunately fall on the state,” Ecklund said. “I appreciate everyone reaching out and we will continue to press to come up with a solution to get us through that final construction.”

SECOND STREET RESIDENTS FORM GROUP

A group calling itself #FixEast2nd has been launched, according to a news release, by Second Street residents and business owners. The campaign was launched by concerned community members Nate Conrad-Peterson and Markus Tenamore, who both live on East Second Street. Together, they are organizing the effort to push for a permanent solution. As part of the campaign, residents are encouraged to share their frustrations on social media and call the Department of Transportation.

“The potholes on East Second Street have reached a point where they are no longer just a nuisance – they are a safety risk,” said Conrad-Peterson. “We’ve seen too many close calls, and it’s only a matter of time before a serious accident happens. It’s time to demand real action from the DOT and get our roads repaired properly. We can’t wait until 2026 for a full road redo. We need a solution now.”

Markus Tenamore added, “As neighbors, we’ve had enough of the dangerous conditions. Our community deserves better than temporary fixes. We need a solution that addresses the root of the problem.”

In addition to raising awareness through social media, the #FixEast2nd campaign has launched a yard sign initiative to further highlight the issue. With a goal of placing 50 yard signs along East Second Street, the campaign aims to encourage drivers to slow down and call the DOT to report the unsafe conditions. Local businesses have already pledged their support for the initiative, which has a goal of $450.00 and a pledge deadline of Feb. 21.

“I came up with the idea for the yard signs as a way to engage the community and get the message directly to the people who use the road every day,” said Tenamore.

The #FixEast2nd campaign also encourages residents to visit the official campaign website, which brings together all initiatives and provides clear steps on how individuals can push for action and even seek compensation for vehicle damage caused by the hazardous conditions. The website links to resources, including how to file claims with the DOT for any damages and guidance on joining the movement to get East Second Street repaired. The website is linked to the “Fix East 2nd Street” Facebook Page.

Additionally, volunteers have distributed posters at area businesses throughout the city, urging residents to call the DOT and demand change.

“The response from local businesses has been amazing,” Tenamore added. “People are genuinely concerned, and the support is growing every day.”