Q: Since the closing of Fairfax at Highway 178, Niles Street has become increasingly utilized by drivers getting to and coming from work. But Niles Street, from Mt. Vernon Avenue to Union Avenue, is in terrible shape. This street has been patched so many times, even the patches have been patched.  Are there plans in the near future for Niles Street to be completely repaved?  If so, when?  If not, why not?
— Gene M. Bonas

The Bakersfield Public Works Department currently does not have any projects on line for Niles Street, said Stuart Patteson, construction superintendent with the department.
 However, Arnold Ramming, a civil engineer in Public Works said they are planning a light pavement overlay on Niles between Brown Street and Union Avenue to start this summer. There are currently not enough funds available to redo all of Niles Street to Mt. Vernon Avenue, but the summer project will “help smooth it out and help hold it up for a couple of years while funding is sought out,” Ramming said.