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Board recommends sidewalk only east of Sussex Lane on Silvernail Road; forwards to council
Summary
After public comment from neighbors, the Board of Public Works voted to recommend to City Council that sidewalk be installed from Sussex Lane east to tie into existing sidewalk and that the western stretch not be specially charged now, citing easement and historic-assessment constraints.
The Waukesha City Board of Public Works, acting as a recommending body, voted April 3 to direct staff to pursue installation of sidewalk on Silvernail Road from Sussex Lane east to connect with existing sidewalk and to exclude installation west of Sussex Lane from the current special charge resolution. The motion to direct staff, made by Joe Piper and seconded, passed with two votes in favor and one against (Cassens aye; Kevin Veil nay; Piper aye). The board will forward the recommendation to City Council for final approval.
Members heard public comments from Ken Hallett, who said he is handicapped and opposed the project abutting his lot on a steep cul-de-sac because city code requires abutting property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow. "I can't have her walking down the hill to shovel that in 24 hours," Hallett said, arguing the requirement imposes an undue burden on his household. Marie Wren, who said her property backs onto Silvernail, thanked the city for the road improvements but asked whether she -- not assessed for prior improvements -- would be assessed for the sidewalk and how far west the city planned to extend it. Staff said the city's sidewalk plan ultimately recommends sidewalks to the West Waukesha Bypass but that this special charge resolution covers only the blue-lined area west of Sussex Lane to University Drive, because of assessment and historical agreement complexities with the former town of Pewaukee.
City staff explained the special charge process differs from sanitary sewer special assessments and that, if Council approves the resolution, affected property owners will receive formal notice. Joe Piper emphasized the board is recommending only and urged residents to contact their alderman (currently Pete Bartels and soon Steve Van Trieste) and to follow the item at Council. Staff identified Craig Austin as the city's project manager for Silvernail reconstruction.
