Residents petition council to restore Islington Street sidewalk; item referred to CIP and DPW report back

Residents of Islington Street told the council during public comment on Aug. 18 that a long stretch of sidewalk serving nine houses has been neglected and asked the city to fund restoration. Nancy Yarmack and neighbor Raya Zaremba described a sidewalk in poor condition, noted that a recent crosswalk installation increases pedestrian usage, and said homeowners unanimously signed a petition asking the city to repave the sidewalk. Yarmack cited a project estimate of roughly $22 per linear foot included in the packet. Councilors thanked the residents and noted the matter will be considered as a CIP request. Councilor Bagley moved to refer the petition to the Department of Public Works for a report back and to the CIP subcommittee for consideration; the motion passed. Councilors asked DPW to clarify what sidewalk type would meet city standards (concrete width, ADA compliance vs. asphalt) and to provide cost estimates and a recommendation on timeline and funding treatment. Residents emphasized safety concerns for schoolchildren using the crosswalk to reach the community trail and said that leaving the unmaintained sidewalk in place could push pedestrians into the street. Councilors said the CIP schedule and site‑specific constraints (adjacent sidewalk improvements, drainage, and curb conditions) would affect timing and possible design choices.