Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation And Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Councilors discuss sidewalks, bike lanes and the cost of assessments for homeowners
Summary
Councilor Jennifer Mahnic raised a social-media petition calling for sidewalks on Broadview Heights' south side and warned that such projects commonly involve property-owner assessments; councilors and the city engineer discussed bike-lane plans tied to upcoming paving and the potential for phased trail extensions with Metro Parks.
During council discussion on May 26, Councilor Jennifer Mahnic told colleagues she had seen an anonymous petition circulating on social media seeking sidewalks from the south side of Broadview Heights toward the activity trail and warned that residents who would be assessed need to be informed about potential financial obligations.
“I cannot put the financial burden on those specific residents,” Mahnic said, urging that any petition include information for affected property owners about assessments and noting the complexity of sidewalk projects when utilities, stormwater or fire hydrants are involved.
President Robert Boldt and City Engineer Ethan Neff said bike lanes are planned to accompany the next paving cycle and that the city should publish the sidewalk-assessment ordinance on the council web page so residents understand which streets could be affected. Councilor Joe Price suggested coordinating with Metro Parks to extend trails in sections and noted possible grant opportunities to offset costs.
Council did not take formal action on sidewalks or bike lanes at the May 26 meeting, but members asked staff to provide information and committed to further discussion; City Engineer Neff reported separately that improvements to Oakes Road are complete and a Recalumite surface treatment will be installed in the coming weeks, indicating ongoing pavement planning.
What happens next: Council asked that additional information about sidewalk legislation and potential assessments be posted for residents and signaled willingness to explore grants and phased trail connections with Metro Parks.
