Council approves special charge to install sidewalk on portion of Silvernail Road after resident objections

Council voted to approve a resolution assessing abutting property owners for the installation of sidewalk along the portion of Silvernail Road from just east of Sussex Lane to University Drive, the segment staff and the Board of Public Works recommended for inclusion with the 2025 CIP reconstruction.

Multiple residents spoke during public comment opposing sidewalk installation on particular steeper, low-use segments. Marie Wren told council she has lived at her property since 1976 and argued the sidewalk would be underused and place a snow-shoveling burden on elderly adjacent homeowners: "So please say no to putting in a sidewalk from Sussex up to that end," she said. Kenneth Hallett similarly described steep grades and safety and urged the council not to require the sidewalk where it could be hazardous for residents to maintain.

Staff and several councilmembers emphasized connectivity and safety; one councilmember stressed that the council is ultimately not bound to committee recommendations. Public Works staff noted the blue section under consideration affects three adjacent parcels and estimated individual assessments at about $1,500 for the shortest section and about $4,000 for two other sections if included in the current CIP project. After discussion about timing and notice requirements (staff noted 20 days' notice is required before the city installs sidewalk under the special-charge process), the council approved the resolution by roll call; the chair announced the motion passed unanimously.