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Council orders environmental review, approves $100,000 bond request for Maryland Avenue sidewalk near Edson Elementary
Summary
Engineering described safety and drop-off conflicts near Edson Elementary and requested $100,000 for a one-side sidewalk between Voorhees and the school boundary; the committee declared lead agency under SEQR (EAF) with a finding of no significant environmental impact and approved a bond ordinance request for $100,000
The Finance and Audit Committee voted to declare lead-agency status for an environmental review and to request a $100,000 bond ordinance to construct a five-foot sidewalk on one side of Maryland Avenue between Voorhees Avenue and the Edson Elementary School boundary.
John from engineering said the south side of Edson Elementary has repeated complaints about conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, especially during school drop-off, and that the street lacks a continuous curb or accessible sidewalk. He said staff will obtain a boundary survey, select a side for the sidewalk after field review, and likely need small grading easements from adjacent owners for construction.
A resident who identified herself as Heather urged the council to act for safety, saying, “It’s really amazing that nobody has actually been injured,” describing children walking in the street and cars parking on lawns. The committee reviewed an environmental assessment form (EAF); staff described the action as an unlisted SEQR action and asked the Common Council to declare lead agency and determine significance. The Common Council resolution to fund the project with a $100,000 bond ordinance passed at committee and the committee found no significant environmental impact.
Engineering said construction would include a five-foot sidewalk, a curb and adjustments for on-street parking and snow storage; staff noted federal grant programs could fund larger or multi-year projects but typically require longer timelines and minimum project sizes. The committee approved the lead-agency finding and the bond request and asked staff to coordinate necessary surveys and outreach to adjoining property owners.
