Staff says permanent sidewalk on Reef Run Road would cost about $125,000; resident permission, permits required

Staff briefed council on a resident request to improve pedestrian connectivity on Reef Run Road and described site constraints and cost estimates for a permanent solution. "They gave us a quote, which was a $124,000 to do this appropriately," the staff presenter said, describing a scope that included a concrete sidewalk, mobilization, earthwork and a retaining/curb wall to accommodate steep grades.

Staff explained the slope adjacent to the roadway is steep enough that constructing a code‑compliant sidewalk would likely intrude into private yards in places and therefore require permission from affected residents to work in their property or acquire easements. The presenter also said a highway/occupancy permit from PennDOT would be required if the work encroaches on the right of way.

Council members considered lower‑cost alternatives discussed in the staff presentation — grading and a permeable trail surface, or widening the road shoulder and striping a walking lane in accordance with PennDOT guidance — but were told those approaches could still require grading work and engineering review and might not meet ADA or permit standards for a formal sidewalk. Staff noted prior outreach in 2022 had not yielded resident buy‑in; staff said the next step would be to ask council whether to re‑engage property owners and, if council approves, to return with survey, permitting needs and grant options.

The staff presenter suggested the project could be a good candidate for multimodal grant funding and reiterated the estimate included a 25% contingency on a construction value of about $100,000. Council did not vote on the matter; members asked staff to contact affected residents and bring back a clearer scope, cost breakdown and potential funding sources if residents are willing to cooperate.