7/31/08

City shares cost of sidewalk repairs with property owners

The City of Marysville is offering residents a new cost-sharing program to help pay for new sidewalks or the repair of aging sidewalks on private property. Under the program, homeowners will split the cost of work 50/50 for non-development related projects with the city’s transportation department.

   

The property owner’s 50 percent is billed upon completion of the project, explained Jeff Laycock, the city’s associate transportation engineer. The city performs all surveying and engineering services, furnishes labor and materials, and provides construction of necessary surface water improvements at no cost to the property owner. The city will also pave the street from the point of its former edge to the new curb line for new sidewalk construction.

The program aims to improve the quality of pedestrian walkways around Marysville. One of the city’s Healthy Communities goals, according to published literature, is to “increase the number of active community environments by creating a more walkable, bikeable, pedestrian-friendly community.”

“This program is a mutual economical benefit for both homeowners and for the city,” said Laycock. “Homeowners see dramatic costs savings in having the work performed, while splitting the cost makes city dollars go twice as far.”

The City Council passed a resolution in April 2008 to actively encourage new construction and renovation of aging curb, gutter and sidewalks. The work is warranted for two years and built to city standards.

To be placed on the 50-50 sidewalk program waiting list, call program specialist Teri McCann at (360) 363-8112 or email TMcCann@marysvillewa.gov.

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