City considers mandatory sidewalk replacement program
NORWICH – Although many sidewalks in Norwich are badly in need of maintenance, a new plan may leave many city residents seeing red, when they realize who will have to fork over the green. The Department of Public Works unveiled a proposal for a sidewalk replacement program at its last meeting on Aug. 24.
Carl Ivarson, superintendent of public works, outlined the details of the plan. He stated that while the sidewalk replacement plan will be mandatory, the responsibility for replacing the sidewalks does not lie with the city, but with the homeowner. The Common Council’s six aldermen will each take an in-depth look at their wards and determine which blocks are most in need of repair. This project will take years to be completed, and not all blocks will be done at once.
The sidewalk replacement is only required if the pre-existing sidewalk is not up to par with DPW standards. If your sidewalk is in poor condition or if it has been covered with blacktop for a driveway, it will not meet those standards.
The DPW will hire contractors to put in the sidewalks at a cut rate. The rate remains the homeowner’s responsibility; however the DPW is working on financing options. At the moment they plan to offer both a 3 year and a 5 year repayment plan at an interest rate of approximately 5 percent. With current interest rates rising steadily, the DPW thinks this is fair.
They also hope to find funding to help low to moderate income households pay for the renovations.
The DPW attempted a similar program in 1998. According to Ivarson, the last time this was attempted, many area contractors complained about the competition. They said the council was underbidding them, and taking away their business.
In 1998 the estimated cost for the sidewalks was $435 per square foot. Now the estimated figure is $592 per square foot. According to the council with the rate of inflation, this is really not a bad increase.
The council members are not sure how they will handle the creation of new sidewalks, although there are areas of the city where this might be necessary. Borden Avenue is one potential area. Weiler Park is located there, and brings many walking up the street every day, including parents with infants and strollers. Third Ward Alderman Suzanne M. Williams wanted to see this issue addressed. The matter is still being looked into, but a public hearing will take place before the council votes on this proposal.
Carl Ivarson, superintendent of public works, outlined the details of the plan. He stated that while the sidewalk replacement plan will be mandatory, the responsibility for replacing the sidewalks does not lie with the city, but with the homeowner. The Common Council’s six aldermen will each take an in-depth look at their wards and determine which blocks are most in need of repair. This project will take years to be completed, and not all blocks will be done at once.
The sidewalk replacement is only required if the pre-existing sidewalk is not up to par with DPW standards. If your sidewalk is in poor condition or if it has been covered with blacktop for a driveway, it will not meet those standards.
The DPW will hire contractors to put in the sidewalks at a cut rate. The rate remains the homeowner’s responsibility; however the DPW is working on financing options. At the moment they plan to offer both a 3 year and a 5 year repayment plan at an interest rate of approximately 5 percent. With current interest rates rising steadily, the DPW thinks this is fair.
They also hope to find funding to help low to moderate income households pay for the renovations.
The DPW attempted a similar program in 1998. According to Ivarson, the last time this was attempted, many area contractors complained about the competition. They said the council was underbidding them, and taking away their business.
In 1998 the estimated cost for the sidewalks was $435 per square foot. Now the estimated figure is $592 per square foot. According to the council with the rate of inflation, this is really not a bad increase.
The council members are not sure how they will handle the creation of new sidewalks, although there are areas of the city where this might be necessary. Borden Avenue is one potential area. Weiler Park is located there, and brings many walking up the street every day, including parents with infants and strollers. Third Ward Alderman Suzanne M. Williams wanted to see this issue addressed. The matter is still being looked into, but a public hearing will take place before the council votes on this proposal.
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