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Committee weighs $125K+ sidewalk inventory using lidar; staff says town will own data
Summary
Mobility committee debated a proposed sidewalk inventory using lidar and third‑party data (Apex integrating DeepWalk Research Inc.) — staff said the scope covers initial data collection (not ongoing DeepWalk licensing) and the town would own the data; members discussed funding options including chapter 90, revolving accounts, or FY28 request.
Tyler (staff) and other staff described a proposed sidewalk inventory and condition assessment that would use lidar-based collection (DeepWalk Research Inc. data integrated into an Apex-hosted platform) and a follow-up integration with the town’s ArcGIS tools. The initial collection represents a sizable one-time cost (presented as more than a 100% increase over a comparable roadway contract item in the materials discussed); staff said the scope covers initial data collection and integration rather than ongoing DeepWalk licensing.
Committee members weighed whether the investment is justified. Supporters said objective, scientific condition data would let the town prioritize limited sidewalk funds more defensibly, project progress over time, and model how funding levels change outcomes. Others cautioned that DPW has limited annual resources and asked staff to identify funding options (chapter 90 funds, revolving accounts, or a FY28 budget request). Tyler and Shane said they would discuss funding internally and return with recommendations.
