Residents press council for sidewalk repairs, contractor accountability and drainage fixes; ebikes and golf carts draw safety concerns

The New Whiteland public forum brought multiple resident concerns: a request for repair of a hazardous sidewalk segment, an allegation of inappropriate conduct by a private paving crew, persistent standing water and drainage problems on private properties, and worries about permitting golf carts and ebikes on town streets.

Sher, who gave an address for the record, asked the council to fix a sidewalk location she described as dangerous after witnessing someone trip; council members noted that sidewalks are generally the homeowner’s responsibility but said staff would inspect the segment to determine whether the town maintains it and follow up.

Another resident described being blocked from his driveway by a paving crew and reported that a worker used profanity toward him; the resident said he had reported the incident to town hall and to an officer but felt ignored and asked whether the council could meet separately to discuss the matter. Town staff responded that the town does not control contractor deployment on private work but recommended contacting the contractor and offered to discuss the complaint further.

On drainage, Howard Green described standing water in front yards and a filled-in swale that has backed up runoff. Staff explained the ditch largely drains to county-controlled infrastructure and said the plan is to install tile under Sawmill to route water to a new pond once nearby subdivision work is complete; staff cautioned some elements depend on the county and adjacent project timelines.

Several residents and council members raised safety concerns about allowing golf carts and ebikes on town roads, especially on main roads where children and inexperienced riders could be exposed; staff noted ebikes currently operate under bicycle rules and said they would research the issue further before any ordinance changes.