Auroraadvocate.com - Sidewalk issues discussed by Council subpanel

by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- The issue of whether sidewalks should be required in or around new subdivisions was discussed June 17 at the initial meeting of City Council's subcommittee for connectivity study.

Other topics discussed were who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance and snow removal, and how bike paths would fit into the connectivity plan.

Earlier this year, the planning commission adopted a connectivity plan, which will be considered by Council after the subcommittee reviews it.

The next meeting has not been scheduled, but panelist Joe Kastelic suggested Planning-Zoning-Building Director Rich Wehrenberg and Law Director Alan Shorr attend.

Kastelic said Wehrenberg is needed to explain some of the city's current ordinances dealing with sidewalks, and Shorr to talk about maintenance legalities.

At the recent meeting, Wehrenberg told members city codes call for sidewalks to be built inside all future developments unless the planning commission grants exemptions.

Kastelic said he believes private developments may not be receptive to connectivity inside, with panelist Jim Vaca adding that could be an intrusion on the residents' privacy.

HOWEVER, Vaca added if sidewalks are not built in a development, they should be installed between developments. He noted Solon has walkways in backyards that connect neighborhoods.

Panelist John Kudley agreed if exemptions are given to putting sidewalks inside a development, there must be sidewalks on the outside.

Kudley noted there was an opportunity with the Route 43 widening project to connect the Geauga Lake area with Aurora proper, but "that opportunity now will be gone forever."

He said he believes with any future development, it must be a requirement to put in sidewalks so the expense will fall on the developer and not the city.

Wehrenberg said he believes the planning commission may not understand the sidewalk issue is that serious of a mandate, and if the mandate is made more clear, there should be no problem.

Kastelic said he is not sure whether Council is for or against putting sidewalks in undeveloped areas.

As for the maintenance/repair issue, panelist Carl Rausch said it should be emphasized before the city proceeds with sidewalks/paths that ordinances reflect a plan stating who is responsible.

He added it is important to include what determines if a sidewalk needs to be repaired and who pays for the work. He noted all ordinances and guidelines should be in place before making additions to the connectivity plan.

Kastelic said the current code calls for maintaining sidewalks, but does not define maintenance. He said the city should find out how other cities handle the issue.

KASTELIC ALSO stated it needs to be clear who will clean snow from sidewalks in front of unoccupied properties. He added the city is not in position financially to purchase cleaning equipment and hire personnel.

Vaca said he would find out who takes care of walkways behind houses in Solon. He also suggested the city split the cost of repairs with homeowners so the latter are not strapped with paying the full amount.

Kastelic said the purpose of putting in sidewalks is to keep people safe and off the streets. He said if sidewalks are not going to be properly maintained in the winter, they shouldn't be put in.

Kastelic said he believes sidewalks in front of the city cemetery, fire and police departments and other public facilities are the city's responsibility.

As for another issue, Kastelic suggested the panel recommend to Council that Route 43 south include a bike/walking lane if the state upgrades the road in the future.

Kudley suggested such a lane run at least to Mennonite Road, noting sidewalks/bike paths aren't needed in the industrial zone.

Vaca said a 1987 bikeway plan included a path connecting Picnic Lake Park to Aurora Lake Road. He also said he believes a bike path down the old Erie Railroad tracks would play an important role in connectivity.

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