Sidewalk Replacement on Hold Saves Neighbors Money

The annual Sturtevant sidewalk replacement program will hold for a year, and that means big savings for residents and, potentially, the village, too.

Village public works employees canvassed the neighborhood around the 9300 block of Carol Ann and marked sidewalk squares that are cracked, buckled or broken. Property owners were sent a letter with a deadline by which they had to replace the squares.

Residents who either did not meet the deadline or notify the village about an extension were alerted that their sidewalks would become part of Sturtevant's overall replacement program, and they would share in the total cost through a special assessment.

John Studey, who lives in the 9300 block of Carol Ann, was at the Sturtevant Committee meeting Tuesday to try and work something out with trustees.

"I got a quote for $100 a square, but I was told it was too late," he said. "I just want to work something out here."

The winning bid from Marvin Gleason Contractor, Inc. of Franksville came to $42,383.35 and included sidewalks around South Park. Residents would have been charged $143 per square at this price.

Trustee Gary Johnson, head of the Public Works Committee, first explained to Studey that the village will always try to work with homeowners if they communicate with the board.

"But once the project went to bid, the village is bound," he said.

Johnson then suggested the village reject the bids and change the completion date so homeowners can get the work done on their own. Sturtevant would then put the project out for bid again next spring.

"That lowers the total number of squares we'll need to include in the RFPs next spring, which saves everyone money," he noted.

Sturtevant Village Administrator/Clerk Mary Cole suggested that trustees include a firm deadline without extensions when they contact homeowners. She also thought including the necessary permit to eliminate the need for residents to visit Village Hall could help move the process along.

A statutorily required public hearing is still scheduled for Tuesday about the special assessment. The Village Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Village Hall, 2801 89th Street. Call (262) 886-7200.