City grapples with private street maintenance crisis

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the challenges faced by residents living on private ways, particularly regarding city services such as snow plowing and road maintenance. City officials clarified that the public works department does not construct sidewalks on private ways, raising questions about the allocation of funds for such projects.

Councillor Kaleta Zapata highlighted the importance of ensuring that essential services, like snow removal, are provided to residents on private streets, especially for vulnerable individuals, such as a blind resident living on a dead-end street. The councillor expressed concern that these services sometimes get overlooked, emphasizing the need for consistent care and attention to community needs.

The meeting also featured public testimonies from residents, including Helen Bender, who raised issues about the deteriorating condition of Pine Avenue, a street that has not been paved despite surrounding areas receiving maintenance. Bender pointed out that the street's condition has worsened over the past decade, partly due to external work by the gas company.

Mary Sullivan, representing residents of Hobson Street, shared her experience of the financial burden of maintaining their private way, noting that residents have collectively spent nearly $50,000 to pave their street. This testimony underscored the ongoing challenges faced by those living on private ways, who often bear the costs of maintenance without city support.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions and a working session to address these pressing issues, highlighting the importance of community input in shaping city services and policies.