UPDATE: Salinas property owners won’t be in charge of sidewalks for now
UPDATE: 11/6/15 2:25 PM: Salinas city leaders have decided to shelve the idea of making property owners both responsible and liable for maintaining sidewalks.
The decision comes after residents shared their disapproval of the idea. The proposal would have established a policy of shared responsibility between the city and property owners. Essentially, it would have switched the responsibility of sidewalks from the city to property owners, unless the problem was caused by the city.
“The goal was to save money, but we realize it would be a big, sudden change, especially coming so soon after the passage of Measure G,” said Mayor Joe Gunter. “We think we owe it to voters to show that we will spend Measure G money where we said we would, on public priorities like safety and improving roads, sidewalks and parks. Once we’ve done that,at some time in the future maybe we’ll bring this ordinance back for more consideration. “
ORIGINAL STORY:
Crumbling sidewalks may soon move from a city responsibility to property owners.
It’s already happening in Monterey and Pacific Grove and now, Salinas is considering the move. The city of Salinas said it has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for sidewalk repairs to settle lawsuits. The city discussed a sidewalk liability ordinance that would make property owners responsible for a lifted sidewalk even if the cause is from a city tree.
“I don’t really agree with that I think it’s the city’s responsibility to keep our sidewalks safe. As far as being sued by somebody tripping over it, we don’t have the money to pay the medical bills so I think that’s ridiculous,” said Salinas homeowner, Jeremy Stanley.
It’s not too hard to find cracks, divots, and raised cement on Salinas streets. The city’s received 43 sidewalk claims since 2011. Between attorney and settlement fees, it’s cost them more than $500,000.
“The city of Salinas has a ten year backlog on repairs maintenance to sidewalks. Trees are a big issue and I think one way to bridge that is to shift liability,” said Councilman Steve McShane.
Uneven pavement is a huge liability. Walking with caution is something Stanley said he has to do.
“We get people tripping over that little thing all the time and there’s a lot worse in this neighborhood,” said Stanley.
Some property owners said they’ve been on a list for years waiting for the sidewalk outside their home to get repaired. Public Works said they have allocated $600,000 specifically for dangerous sidewalks. If the ordinance isn’t passed Darryl Cornel hopes they take a look at the situation growing outside his home.
“The trees have continued to grow, and it’s kind of undone some of their work, so I’m sorry about that it’s the trees fault I guess,” said Cornel.
Right now it’s still the city’s responsibility to maintain safe sidewalks but Cornel said if the law changes he’ll be sure to get to the root of the problem and take care of his sidewalk. A decision on the sidewalk liability ordinance will not be decided until November 17.
