Sidewalks to be repaired in Glendale

Last year (2005) we inspected all of the public sidewalks for damages and hazards that qualified for repairs in 2006. Basically, if a trip hazard existed, that section was identified and marked for replacement. We recently awarded a contract to two separate companies; one to repair the sandstone sidewalks on Greenville and another company to repair all of the cement sidewalks in the Village (those identified in 2005).

Years ago, in the late 1980's, most of the sidewalks were in terrible condition and required over $250,000 in repairs. These repairs were assessed to those residents that had property fronting the sidewalks in need of repair. Surveying and deed research was performed and many hours of administrative and engineer work was charged out to send specific bills to specific residents (to allow them to put the charges on their taxes, to pay direct, or to have the work done on their own). Needless to say the cost to replace a 5'x5' cement sidewalk pad was high... almost double that which is charged when there is a direct pay by the Village.

Now that the sidewalks require less repairs (we check them now every other year), your Council and Mayor have generously agreed to pay the direct charges to repair sidewalks whenever feasible. In this case (and in the case twol years ago), it was feasible and made sound financial sense. Hopefully this process can continue in the future.