While we are on the topic of pedestrian safety, and now that spring has finally sprung, it is time for many residents to address what has become a growing issue in town over the past few years – sidewalks.
Cracked, uneven, overgrown and otherwise damaged sidewalks are unsafe. Depending on the level of damage, individuals might be likely to trip and fall due to the unevenness of the surface. We at the Tribune can attest to this, with staff members having had their fair share of tumbles. In some parts of town, we even choose to walk and run in the street over what could be considered a “sidewalk” in name only, and is actually closer to a pile of rubble. Students walking to school on these same roads are forced to do the same, making this a dangerous and pressing situation for our youth.
Homeowners with sidewalks on their properties are responsible for making sure that they are in good shape. If the sidewalk is damaged, overgrown, or impassible (as it is at several spots in town), it is up to the homeowner to remedy the issue.
Sidewalk repairs can be costly, particularly if the job is done with concrete, which is why the township recently overhauled its sidewalk ordinance to ease the burden on residents footing the bill for repairs and replacements. As of two years ago, sidewalks can now be made of asphalt, a significantly less expensive option, on all but three Livingston roads (specific sections of Northfield Road, South Livingston Avenue, and Route 10). For homeowners who are still required to replace their sidewalks with concrete, the township will reimburse 50 percent of the cost, subject to approval from the township engineer.
But despite improvements in recent years, there are still many sections of sidewalk that remain in dire need of repairs. Residents who have not yet done so should reach out to a vendor in a timely manner, before someone from town comes to enforce the ordinance at their homes. Sidewalk repair enforcement was not actively pursued while the Township Council was working on changing the ordinance, but has now resumed. So, it’s worth looking out your window to check the condition of your sidewalk; if it needs work, and you choose to ignore it, you may have a fine coming your way!
