City of Lawrence staff will soon begin inspections for the 2021 Sidewalk Improvement Program, which includes approximately 1,700 properties along priority routes designated by City staff through a data-driven process. The routes were approved by the Multi-Modal Transportation Commission and City Commission.
The Sidewalk Improvement Program aims at providing safe sidewalks for all Lawrence residents—from kids going to school, to older residents walking to the market, to walkers and joggers of all ages, and especially to our residents with disabilities—by eliminating tripping hazards.
Properties included in the 2021 Sidewalk Improvement Program will be receiving postcards this week, notifying them of their inclusion in the program. A 2021 Sidewalk Improvement Program map has also been created for residents to check if their properties are included in this year’s efforts.
The 2021 program’s process will be very similar to the most recent program phase completed in December.
City staff will inspect sidewalks along identified routes. When a hazard is identified, staff will mark the area with paint.
- White paint identifies a hazard caused by City-owned infrastructure (manholes, street tree roots, etc.) and will be repaired by the City. Property owners will not be charged or responsible for these repairs.
- Pink paint identifies a hazard that is the adjacent property owner’s responsibility to repair according to City Code.
If a sidewalk hazard is identified, City staff will leave a door hanger at the adjacent property with a brochure that provides more information about the program. Property owners will then receive a letter in the mail no later than March 12 with an inspection report and notice to repair.
Property owners who receive a notice to repair have two primary options for mitigating the sidewalk hazards; City contractor or self-repair.
Utilizing the City’s contractor comes with several benefits, including:
- Favorable pricing due to economies of scale. The City will bundle all properties utilizing its contractor into one bid package, soliciting competitive pricing for the entire group of properties.
- The City manages the project, including obtaining the required permits, coordinating utility locates, contractor oversight and much more.
- A one-year warranty on repair work.
- Potential for financial assistance, including income-based assistance and cost-sharing grants to qualified applicants.
- An extended five-year payback period through the property tax bill.
Property owners who do not wish to utilize the City’s contractor may hire a City-approved concrete contractor or complete the work themselves before June 30. Any property owner who chooses this option must:
- Ensure the work meets City standards and specifications and code requirements.
- Acquire the appropriate permits.
- Coordinate with City staff for inspection following the completion of the repairs. Should the repairs not pass inspection, the property owner would be required to do further maintenance until the sidewalk meets specifications.
Property owners who choose the self-repair method are not eligible for program benefits, including contractor pricing, financial assistance, warranty or an extended payback period.
Property owners who wish to utilize the City’s contractor do not need to inform the City of their intent. Properties with sidewalk hazards remaining following the June 30 self-repair deadline will automatically be included in the City’s bid package.
The City of Lawrence contains 486+ miles of sidewalks. The 2021 program area marks the third phase of the Sidewalk Improvement Program. Prior program efforts have led to 83 miles of sidewalk inspections and the repair of 1,468 sidewalk hazards.
More information about the program can be found at lawrenceks.org/sidewalk-improvement.
Contact: Josh Carson, Public Information Officer, Municipal Services & Operations – jcarson@lawrenceks.org | 785-832-7822