To the Editor:
I am writing to advise readers that the Village Board has called for a public hearing on Monday, March 4, 2019, at 8 PM at the Municipal Building on a proposed local law to revise the existing sidewalk improvement program and establish a general sidewalk improvement program for the Village.
The proposed local law would revise the existing sidewalk improvement program, available to property owners with sidewalks damaged by street trees, to state the Village will pay 40% of such repair costs for property owners and a general sidewalk improvement program under which the Village will also pay 40% of renovation and replacement costs for property owners. The proposed program would take effect on June 1, 2019 and last for a period of three years.
The Village administration has developed the in-house ability to repair small sidewalk sections and no longer needs to hire an outside contractor to do this work. This is possible thanks to the recent hire of our new Village Foreman, the training of our Department of Public Works crew, and the streamlining of operations by our Superintendent of Public Works.
Safe sidewalks are an integral part of making a walkable community as well as supporting property values. I hope that if this proposed local law to revise and expand the sidewalk improvement program is adopted, it will serve as a strong incentive to property owners to take advantage of it to ensure that our sidewalks remain in good repair.
A recent survey found the Village of Croton to be the best community in New York State–by working together I hope we can maintain an attractive and affordable Croton.
Sincerely,
Brian Pugh