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The 2004 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes $4,000,000 dedicated for the installation
new sidewalks and a limited replacement program for existing sidewalks in poor condition. Our Sa
Pathways Program coordinated by the Transportation and Public Works (TPW) allocates this fundi
by need and priority. I
New Sidewalk Installation
To date we have completed approximately 65,000 linear feet of sidewalk, at 45 different locations, at
a cost • $1,400,000 under the 2004 CIP. Using current costs with some allowance for inflation, the
remainina fundina will allow us to build approximately 100,000 linear feet of additional sidewalk.
However, our remaining list of identified needs totals 200,000 linear feet. Thus, there is a currently
identified funding deficiency of about $2,500,000. Furthermore, the list keeps growing as new
schools in suburban areas are added and as additional requests come in.
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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Another factor to be considered is whether we should continue the 25% homeowner participation
policy. Under this policy many of the neighborhoods that need sidewalk repair will not come forward
because the homeowners cannot afford to pay the 25%. Since we are now going to dedicate
$150,000 per year to repair safety related sidewalk issues, we propose that we eliminate the 25%
match, so that we can address the problem solely on the sidewalk condition, and not on the
homeowners' ability to pay. With 100% City participation, the $150,000 per year will allow us to
repair about 75 to 100 locations per year. This funding will not be enough to repair all locations
immediately but it will allow us to begin a multi-year replacement program that will start to address
this need.
Sidewalks on 7100 Block of Norma Street
On May 16, 2006 a determination was made, after reviewing several criteria, to install sidewalks on
the north side of Norma Street from Milan to Muse. A letter was sent to residents in the area
informing them of the decision and requesting their input prior to installation. A large number of
residents called and requested that the sidewalk be installed on the south side of Norma Street
instead of the north side. The concerns of residents were that 1) a school is located on the south side
and children walk on that side of the street and 2) a sidewalk addition would extend existing
sidewalks already located near the school. Staff reviewed pedestrian activity and constructability
once again and agreed that south side would also be acceptable. A revised letter was sent to the
residents on May 26, 2006 informing them that based on their responses the sidewalk would be
installed on the south side.
This interaction is a good example of the give and take that TPW employs on virtually every
installation. Many property owners have differing opinions regarding the location of the new sidewalk
and even the necessity of the sidewalk at all. Through a public input process, TPW attempts to
reach consensus on every location.
Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS