Sidewalk Improvement Strategy Continues

The City of Lakewood is entering its eighth phase of a 10-year strategy to improve the city’s 180 miles of sidewalks and keep them among the most pedestrian-friendly in the state. Each year, the city sends inspectors to check the sidewalks for “trip hazards.”

In the fall of 2018, approximately 1,000 properties were inspected. Residents with trip hazards will fall into one of two categories: Grinding the seams of the sidewalk (at $43 per seam); replaced (approximately $5 per square foot).

Residents have some options. They can pay to have the sidewalk fixed themselves (after obtaining a permit) or participate in a citywide bid with the city’s contractor — the idea being to lower the price for property owners.

Property owners with identified sidewalk issues have received a mailed letter from the City’s Department of Public Works.

“Lakewood is one of most pedestrian-friendly cities in the Midwest.” said Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers. “The Sidewalk Improvement Program is a major component of ensuring Lakewood’s walkability, and has led to significant improvement of our walkways since 2013. It is critical that our sidewalks be as safe as they can be and accommodating for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs.”

The Department of Public Works is using a map that divides the City into 30 sections and plans to inspect three sections — or 10 percent — each year. The work will be completed between August and October of this year.

If you would like to take part in this program or have questions regarding it, please contact the Department of Public Works at (216) 529-6677 or via email at sidewalk@lakewoodoh.net with your name, address, and phone number by JUNE 20, 2019.