Sidewalks' cost should fall on city
Why are sidewalks the responsibility of homeowners? An article in the Bee (Sept. 3, 2013) pointed out that the Sandpoint City Council is considering new costs to residents over sidewalks.
If the city can spend thousands on useless bumpouts, artwork for the roundabout, cycle signage in the middle of streets, superwide bicycle lanes and other useless or wasteful projects, why can’t the city repair and install sidewalks? Why put the burden on the individual homeowner? Yeah, yeah, I know it’s in the City Code; but sidewalks are for everyone and should be installed and maintained like streets, not by homeowners.
If someone sells a house for a million dollars, paying for a sidewalk is a small addition. But if someone is trying to sell, or sells, a lot for $50,000, or a house for $108,000, then the cost of a sidewalk may be prohibitive — $37,500 for a 50-foot sidewalk?
From the Daily Bee, Friday, March 3, 2006: “Last year, the city sent Boyer Avenue property owners letters that an LID would be formed. They were given the option of paying for new sidewalks on their own or being assessed the cost by the city of $750 per linear foot lot”
That is $37,500 for a 50-foot sidewalk. I happen to think this was an error but regardless, installation of a sidewalk could constitute a major burden on a property owner.
KEN SANGER
Sandpoint