But at least one councilman and a nearby resident remain unconvinced.

Despite new assurances that Halls Hill Road is safe, some are not yet ready to see the barricades come down.

The south-end road, which suffered significant erosion last winter, was closed down by the City Council last month but has since received a passing grade by geotechnical consultants commissioned by the city.

“The slopes do not show signs of impending instability at this time,” according to the Bain­bridge-based Aspect Con­sulting firm. As long as the road is properly maintained, Aspect foresees no “hazard upslope or downslope.”

Councilman Nezam Tooloee is not convinced – but it’s not so much the message as the messenger that concerns him.

“It’s important to have a technical opinion from someone completely independent,” he said. “It appears (Aspect Consulting) is not totally independent.”

Tooloee said he has “high regard” for Aspect’s work, but believes the company’s long history of service for the city could give the appearance of a too-cozy relationship with city staff.

“They do business regularly with the city,” he said. “People could say that could influence their desire to continue doing business with the city.”

Halls Hill Road was ordered closed by the council on July 12 after nearby residents and community activists expressed concerns that the slopes around the roaddway were unstable and posed a risk to those living below the hillside.

The city’s Department of Public Works has insisted before and after the closure that the road and hillside are safe.

Aspect geotechnical engineer John Peterson this week stood by the report.

“We present the facts as we see them and interpret them as we see them,” he said. “The city work is nice to have but at the same time, the majority of our work is with private clients – and some of them are in adverse situations with the city.

“We represent them both.”

Public Works Director Randy Witt