Gardiner council reviews sidewalk removal priority list; resident urges preservation of walkability

Gardiner — Councilors received an update April 16 on a planned sidewalk removal program and a resident urged the council to reconsider removals, arguing sidewalks are central to community walkability and safety.

City Manager Bob Peabody and Public Works staff told councilors they had driven the areas slated for removal and prepared a prioritized list of sidewalks planned for removal in 2025. Peabody said the goal was to complete the work this year but cautioned the schedule could change depending on operational demands and weather.

Resident concerns and staff response

Elizabeth Kennett, a community health nurse who lives on Dresden Avenue, spoke during public comment and said many residents use sidewalks for walking, jogging and stroller access. "I think one of Gardiner's greatest strengths is its walkability, and that's being taken away," Kennett said. She urged the council to consider repair rather than removal, noting sidewalks provide safety for pedestrians and senior residents.

Councilors and staff detailed the removal process and the rights involved. City staff clarified that when a sidewalk is removed the right‑of‑way does not revert to the homeowner; it remains with the city for possible future replacement. Staff also said removed walkways would be graded and loamed and seeded after demolition.

Council discussion and options

Councilors expressed mixed views. A councilor who said he had personal conflict on the issue noted that while sidewalks support pedestrian access there are long‑term maintenance costs the city must manage; he encouraged neighborhoods that prefer to retain sidewalks to petition the council or sign neighborhood petitions expressing that preference. Councilors also referenced the city’s effort to prioritize work on streets scheduled for paving and other street repairs.

What was clarified at the meeting

- Right‑of‑way: City staff confirmed sidewalks removed will remain in municipal right‑of‑way and will not automatically transfer to adjacent homeowners.

- Post‑removal treatment: Staff said they will grade the area and loam and seed where appropriate; contractors and staff will coordinate depending on weather.

- Schedule and flexibility: Peabody said the list is prioritized but not set in stone, and work scheduling may shift.

Next steps

Councilors encouraged residents who feel strongly about preserving sidewalks in their neighborhood to contact council members; the council also reiterated that detailed scheduling and scope of individual sidewalk removals will be managed by Public Works and appear in future staff updates. Staff said notices and more detailed project maps would be made available to residents as work is scheduled.