Northfield resident urges sidewalks on Milford Road; council says addition could delay project to 2027

A resident told the Village of Northfield council on Feb. 12 that sidewalks should be part of the planned Milford Road Reconstruction Project, but council members warned the added cost could delay construction until 2027.

"Sidewalks will help provide the children with a safe route to school, serve as an added convenience for residents, and assist with curb appeal," said resident Zach Hebebrand of 9186 Milford Drive during the public comment period. Mayor Jenn Domzalski told Hebebrand that the cost of adding sidewalks might cause the project to be delayed until 2027; Hebebrand said he understood and would accept a delay if sidewalks could be included.

Later in the meeting, Councilmember Kevin Lewis reported the Roads & Public Works Committee reviewed specific routing options: a sidewalk linking Huntington Park to Ledge Road and Lee Eaton School, and a second sidewalk connecting Huntington Drive and North Plaza Drive. The committee also discussed potential changes to no-parking zones near the hills on the tree streets but made no final decisions.

The discussion did not include a formal funding commitment or a final engineering estimate; Engineer Daniel Collins is handling design work for the Milford Road project and related Smith Park improvements. Finance Director/Clerk Jennifer Potvin told Council department heads must submit final budget requests by Feb. 21 and that staff intends to present a Budget Resolution at the first March meeting so it can receive two readings before the March 31 deadline.

Council took no formal vote to add sidewalks during the Feb. 12 meeting. Next steps identified by councilmembers include refining cost estimates and routing and coordinating any scope change with the budget timeline.