Taking Responsibility for Sidewalks Would Cost Village Huge Money

If Ridgewood wants to take over responsibility for sidewalks from property owners it will have to brace itself for the big bills that follow, officials said last Wednesday.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn during a council discussion held firm to his belief that it's "unfair" that homeowners must pay for damage when town trees bust up the sidewalk slabs. Bills can run several hundred dollars for frustrated residents.

But if the town scoops up the responsibility, it will likely need to take out six-figure bonds to pay for heavy costs, according to Village Manager Ken Gabbert. And money is tight in Village Hall, casting doubt on whether the sidewalk ordinance will change.

The Ridgewood Environmental Action Committee (REAC), which is helping shape a new shade tree policy, has not supported the town taking over responsibility for sidewalks, Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh said.

Gabbert estimated that the repairs the town required residents to make over the last year exceeded $200,000. Repairing all of the outstanding sidewalk damage and covering future liabilities might be in the millions.

Meanwhile, REAC will continue chipping away at recommending a new shade tree policy that has sidewalk takeovers on the table.

What do you think? Should the town pick up the tab?