The Columbia Board of Aldermen on April 2 authorized the repaving of Godfrey Avenue.

The question of adding curb and gutter to both sides was deferred until Town Manager Rhett White can ascertain whether the adjoining property owner is willing to pay half the cost, a town policy in effect for the past five decades, White said.

Stabilizing the roadway and applying two inches of asphalt will cost the town about $11,000, White estimated. Constructing concrete curb and gutter on both sides and in a cul-de-sac at the boat basin will up the total by another $12,000, half of which would be town expense.

Godfrey Avenue is about 600 feet long, and the proposed asphalt roadway is to be 18 feet wide. It is the sole vehicle access to Green Street. Property on both sides from Green Street northward to North Boundary Canal is a mobile home park owned by Scott McLaughlin.

White said the town accepted the street about 20 years ago and has maintained it since then with local funds and state street aid (Powell Bill) money.

Alderman Seth Gibbs suggested the need for curb and gutter, without which vehicles pulling off the roadway to park or enter private yards will soon break off the edges of the asphalt.

Gibbs said the project would have a longer life expectancy if curb and gutter is added, “and I’d rather spend more up front” to reduce future maintenance.

A reply from McLaughlin about curb and gutter cost is expected when the board meets again on May 7.