Susan Horwitz is running out of patience. She bought her home on Eagle View Drive in Colorado Springs in 2009 and has been calling the City to get the crumbling sidewalk repaired every year since. That right, a nine-year wait.
"I’m frustrated," she said. "I have sent numerous letters, I have sent emails, I’ve taken pictures, I’ve physically gone over there and all I’m getting is lip service!"
It is the City’s responsibility to maintain neighborhood sidewalks. However, those repairs take time and money. Both are in short supply.
David Scalfri, the Operations Manager for the City of Colorado Springs Public Works Department explained that concrete maintenance list has between 20,000 and 23,000 projects. An average 1,300 new projects are added every year.
"It will literally take years to reach all of the needs," Scalfri said.
He explained that the City prioritizes projects based need. High pedestrian traffic routes such as sidewalks near hospitals, schools, and bus stops are repaired fastest.
"A person that has maybe physical challenges to where they lack adequate access to a sidewalk," would also qualify as a severe need Scalfri explained.
Additionally, verified accidents or injuries caused by concrete damage can move you up the list.
In 2012, the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority began setting aside a small amount of money to help speed up concrete repairs through a cost-share program. Homeowners can split the bill with the City.
"The program is designed to help folks get their concrete repaired quicker," Scalfri explained.
The public works department is able to take on an additional 75 to 100 projects a year through the cost-share program. But the idea of paying twice to repair City property is not that appealing.
"I feel like I’m already paying taxes on this sidewalk," she said. "So, why do I get to be lucky enough to pay half of a sidewalk that is owned by the City."
You can also learn more about the City’s Concrete Repair criteria, the Concrete Cost Share Program and the Americans with Disabilities Act pedestrian ramp program at their website.
To report damaged concrete, call the public works office 719-385-5918 or send an email CityEngineering@springsgov.com
