Rockwell Avenue sidewalk extension estimated at $100,000–$115,000; surveyor and outreach needed

The Middletown DPW commissioner told the committee a proposal to extend the sidewalk along Rockwell Avenue between Eisenhower and Roosevelt is feasible and carries an estimated cost of about $100,000 to $115,000 for roughly 480 linear feet.

The commissioner said the city would need to hire a professional surveyor to verify property lines so the new sidewalk remains within the street right‑of‑way; after the survey staff would lay out the work and use Orange County public works bid pricing to contract construction. "The cost is going to be around $100, $115,000," the commissioner said.

Alderman Kleiner asked about two large telephone poles that appear to sit where the sidewalk would run; the commissioner said the layout could be routed around the poles while still providing a minimum 3‑foot clear sidewalk and a wider grass strip between curb and sidewalk similar to nearby Roosevelt. Committee members discussed liability and maintenance concerns for new sidewalks, including slip‑and‑fall, icing, and snow removal responsibilities, and were told those remain a municipal consideration for new sidewalks.

Committee members asked whether grant money or other funding sources were available; the commissioner responded that the $100–$115K figure comes from the Orange County bid pricing and that the city would not need to solicit separate competitive bids when tapping that contract vehicle. No contract award or funding appropriation was recorded in the transcript; the figure is an estimate to inform members and residents.

Next steps discussed: staff to commission a survey to verify right‑of‑way and then return with project details and cost confirmation; members stressed outreach to affected residents prior to construction.