Hatboro Could Lose Sidewalk Funding

Would you turn down a free sidewalk?

Hatboro elected officials have been trying in earnest .

Specifically, borough engineer James Dougherty said the sidewalks and curbs would be added in areas "where there are none," including the east side of South Chester Avenue between Pennypack Elementary School and West Moreland Avenue, as well as the north side of Summit Avenue between North York and Bonair Avenue and along the west side of North Penn between Summit and Meadowbrook avenues. 

The problem, according to borough solicitor Christen Pionzio, is that only eight of roughly 20 homeowners have so far agreed to have the sidewalks installed. In order to move to fruition, Pionzio said the borough "needs cooperation" from all of the affected property owners. If one person fails to cooperate, the project can not advance, she said. 

Dougherty said he hopes to obtain necessary easements from the remaining property owners within a month. Pionzio sent letters and meetings are scheduled as homeowners respond to the letters.

Council President John Zygmont said the sidewalk and curbing construction is expected to get underway late this year and into 2014. Pionzio said a time table is dependent upon how quickly homeowners grant access for the work. 

The roughly $2 million project requires borough funding of pre-construction costs for engineering, permitting and legal, Dougherty said, adding that $1.8 million of the total project is covered by two transportation programs.

One of the funding sources, the Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to School program, which is administered by PennDOT, aims "to establish, where feasible, safe walking routes for our children to commute to school and to promote healthy living," according to the program's Web site.

With this long-time project in mind, the Hatboro Borough Council this week debated whether or not a West Lehman Avenue property owner should have to install sidewalks at his property, which would be adjacent to where some of the sidewalks would be added. 

Councilman Mark Sheedy said that while sidewalks are "nice to have," he added that they are "also a liability."

"I think they should be optional right now," he said. 

Hatboro Mayor Norm Hawkes argued that the borough should opt to put in sidewalks when the opportunity presents. 

"I think it's the way to go," Hawkes said. 

Do you think Hatboro should have sidewalks installed in school walking zones, as well as in new construction areas? If you were eligible for a free sidewalk would you permit it? Tell us in the comments.

If you live in one of the areas envisioned for sidewalks and curbing and you would like to have a free sidewalk installed, please call Christen Pionzio at 215-661-0400.