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Resident asks council to fix Park Square sidewalk and remove trees damaging private pipes
Summary
Longtime North Smithfield resident Claire O'Hara asked the council during open forum to fix a sidewalk in the Park Square/Union Square area and to address trees that she says are lifting sidewalks and cracking water pipes adjacent to state highways; the administration said it will have an on-call engineering firm assess scope and price.
Claire O'Hara, a resident of North Smithfield for more than 50 years, told the council at open forum that a sidewalk at the Greenville Road/Province Street intersection (Park Square / Union Square area) has deteriorated and that recently planted trees are damaging private pipes and raising sidewalks.
O'Hara said she learned the town is responsible for sidewalks adjacent to state highways and asked the council to address the condition. She described earlier sidewalks installed by the WPA in 1939 and said new trees were planted without adequate blocking and have caused damage and safety concerns.
“No one has done anything,” O'Hara said. “It is our obligation to take care of sidewalks adjacent to state highways any highway. In our area, it hasn't been done.”
The council clarified that cones had been placed where the sidewalk was a known hazard; some had been stolen and then replaced. The administration said the town has three engineering firms on call and will ask one to inspect the affected area to estimate scope and cost. The administration said the town does not currently have budgeted funds to fix the site but will return with an estimate and continue to look for potential funding programs.
Why it matters: Sidewalk and tree‑root issues can present trip hazards and lead to property damage; the discussion clarified likely next steps (engineering assessment) and the town’s funding constraints.
Next steps: Administration to request an on‑call engineer inspect the area, produce a scope and cost estimate, and return to the council with options for funding and repair timing.
