Residents press council for sidewalks, crossings and trail funding as sidewalk assessment begins

Multiple residents raised safety and accessibility concerns about missing sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and bus shelters during the High Point listening tour.

Emily Rowe and neighbors described daily safety risks for residents with disabilities, seniors and families where sidewalks are absent or in disrepair. Residents asked how the county prioritizes sidewalk construction and whether disability access is included in criteria.

Council leaders said Department of Public Works & Transportation is conducting a countywide sidewalk assessment to identify gaps and prioritize repairs. Councilmember Eric Olson noted budget action that increased funding for new bus shelters (budgeted increase from 45 to 70 shelters this cycle) and said the county will brief the council this year on a sidewalk strategy. Councilmember Wanika Fisher urged residents to provide addresses for targeted advocacy and said state agencies are required partners on state roads such as Riggs Road and Route 1.

The council also discussed trail connections and bike lanes as economic‑development and mobility tools; councilmembers said they have allocated capital for trail projects in recent budgets (one member cited a prior $5 million allocation in the Bladensburg area) and emphasized long project timelines.

Next steps: DPW&T will present an asset‑mapping and strategy briefing to council committees this year; residents were urged to provide locations for bus shelters and sidewalk requests to their council offices for budget and capital planning consideration.