By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The Department of Public Works is continuing its sidewalk repair and replacement program this spring.
City sidewalk inspector Ernie Chiarelli recently announced that 372 addresses were reported and inspected last year. Among the addresses, 997 4-by-4-foot concrete sections were replaced and 111 trip hazards were removed by a shaving process to meet guidelines under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act for a total of 1,108 sidewalk hazards corrected, Chiarelli said.
The 2019 sidewalk list has been fully completed, he said, adding, “We are looking forward to spring with the continuation of this program to help make West Haven a better and safer place to live.”
The Public Works Department is able to repair sidewalks damaged by city trees because of funding from a state grant. The grant money is for sidewalk repair and replacement only, Chiarelli said.
City trees are defined as those located between the sidewalk and street curb. Otherwise, it is the owner’s responsibility to repair the sidewalk fronting their property, according to Article 1, Section 1 of the “Streets and Sidewalks” ordinance under Chapter 206 of the West Haven Code.
Anyone who has a sidewalk in need of repair due to a city tree can have their address added to the 2020 inspection list by emailing the Department of Public Works at [email protected] or calling (203) 937-3585.