Canton Township board adopts sidewalk repair plan after public hearing; residents raise concerns about utility damage and assessment costs
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Summary
After a public hearing, the board adopted Resolution No. 2026-16 finding the necessity of the 2026 sidewalk repair program. Engineering outlined a 15-year cycle and homeowner options; residents urged holding utilities accountable and noted steep individual assessments.
The Canton Charter Township Board of Trustees opened a public hearing and then adopted Resolution No. 2026-16, finding the necessity of the 2026 sidewalk repair program after a presentation by engineering staff and public comment.
Erica Hidalgo of the township engineering services described the program’s history and process. "The sidewalk program was implemented in 1999," Hidalgo said, and staff typically operates a roughly 15-year cycle, inspecting sidewalks, marking repairs and mailing estimate letters to homeowners. Hidalgo explained the marking system — red for township responsibility and green for homeowner responsibility — and said construction is expected to begin June 1.
The presentation emphasized ADA compliance triggers: items such as displacements, spalling, ponding of three-quarters of an inch or more and excessive slope can prompt repairs. Hidalgo said homeowners may hire contractors and obtain permits within a 60-day window, request that the township include adjacent approach repairs in the same contract, or allow the township contractor to complete work and invoice property owners.
Several residents spoke during the hearing. "We have a lot of utility companies in the township that do work in the township, and it seems like there's been a lot more lately," said Bob McCausland, urging the township to hold utility companies accountable when their work damages sidewalks. McCausland added that repeated contractor activity can worsen cracks over time.
Another resident, who did not give a name at the podium, said she received an assessment covering 22 sidewalk blocks totaling about $5,700 and asked whether corner lots or side-street frontage receive any exemption or cost sharing. Treasurer Slavens responded that the township offers a five-year payment option that places the charge on property tax rolls, and engineering staff will review individual parcel questions outside the formal hearing.
Trustees discussed the ordinance’s origins and liability rationale: the township shifted long ago to place primary responsibility for sidewalk repairs on property owners to reduce collective fiscal exposure from trip-and-fall claims. Board members acknowledged the program can impose significant costs on homeowners but said the ordinance has been the township’s long-standing approach. Clerk Segrist moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-16, supported by Treasurer Slavens; the motion passed by voice vote.
What happens next: homeowners in the scheduled repair zone have a 60-day window from the hearing date to pursue private repairs with required permits or defer to township contractors. Engineering staff will be available to discuss individual assessments.
Votes and actions at the meeting included the formal opening and closing of the hearing and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-16 finding the necessity of sidewalk repairs.
