Denver's Sidewalk Crisis: Neglect, Fees, and Burden Shifted to Residents
Denver has a sidewalk problem.
The city finds itself at a crossroads as it grapples with several growing issues that have long plagued Colorado’s Capitol city that have to do with its crumbling infrastructure – including who’ll be stuck with the repair bill.
First problem for Denver? A staggering 40% of Denver's city streets lack adequate sidewalks, posing challenges for wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and pedestrians seeking safe place to walk. An expensive problem to rectify.
In downtown Denver, the situation is exacerbated by blocked sidewalks cluttered with scooters, e-bikes, and homeless encampments, creating obstacles for residents and visitors alike. The distressing sight of drug needles and human waste strewn across sidewalks further underscores the urgent need for action to address Denver's deteriorating urban infrastructure.
Compounding these issues is the looming specter of financial burden placed on Denver residents to rectify the city's sidewalk neglect and disrepair.
Following the approval of Ordinance 307, also known as Denver Deserves Sidewalks, in November 2022, the responsibility for sidewalk upkeep was shifted from property owners to the city, with provisions for the imposition of a fee.
Under the revised proposal, single-family homeowners face an annual fee of $148.64, while multifamily homes would be charged $27.83 per unit per year. This marked departure from the original cost structure based on linear footage reflects a significant shift in the financial obligations placed on residents to maintain Denver's sidewalks.
Jill Locantore of Denver Streets Partnership emphasized that Ordinance 307 aims to expand Denver's sidewalk network and establish sustainable funding mechanisms for maintenance. However, concerns have been raised regarding the “fairness” of the fee structure, particularly its impact on residents with larger properties who could face disproportionately higher costs.
During a recent Denver City Council meeting, Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval highlighted the need for a “more nuanced approach that considers the financial constraints faced by seniors on fixed incomes.”
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Sandoval's advocacy for a “more equitable fee distribution” coinsigns with proposals for discount programs targeting low-income households and housing complexes at risk of displacement.
A renewed call for public feedback means more changes are likely ahead and additionally means moving any burden for fixing Denver’s sidewalk problem to Denver’s businesses and Colorado taxpayers.
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