Improving Sidewalks in Logansport and Surrounding Areas

The Issue At Hand

• Our sidewalks are in no way safe for those with disabilities, failing to follow the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act. Around town, there are sidewalks that are missing, cracked, too narrow, and in overall poor condition. This all comes down to a lack of upkeep, funds, and accessibility to reach out to fix or implement new sidewalks.
• With the current system in place, the local government can only do so much. As of now, you have to call in to report a sidewalk issue on your property you want to be fixed, and you will pay half of what is owed, while funds last of course.
• The 50/50 curbing and sidewalk system is a great idea at a glance, but if you walk around town you can see how flawed it is. Yes, the idea of having the government pay for half of the fee for sidewalks is amazing, but for many people, the cost is still too much. According to manta.com, the cost can be a range of $359.00-$2,056.00. Does this seem reasonable for one person?
• Some people disagree with more sidewalks as it could cause fights over land rights. Other people say that sidewalks could make homes more expensive.
• With the issue of sidewalks, we need the government to step in. The government has always been working towards the solution, but we need them to contribute even more. Around town, there are sidewalks in desperate need of fixing. We alone can not solve the issue of sidewalks, funding and resources need to be improved for people who need and rely on sidewalks.

Current Policy

Advantages

• The 50/50 program is advantageous because it allows citizens to apply to get sidewalks fixed in their own neighborhood, helping themselves and their neighbors.
• Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines would be advantageous if Logansport sidewalks actually followed those guidelines. According to the guidelines, the smallest width a sidewalk should be is 4 feet, for short distances and if there is not enough space. The average width a sidewalk should be is 5 feet, and 6 feet if it is directly adjacent to the curb.

Disadvantages

• The city sets aside a set amount of funding for the year, and it's a first-come, first-serve application, so only so many sidewalks can be fixed in a year.
• The city pays 50% of the price to repair the sidewalk, and the homeowner that applied pays the other 50%, so it can get pricey to have a safe sidewalk. (According to manta.com, the cost can be a range of $359.00-$2,056.00)

Engagement Plan

• Gain traction and show support with the petition
• Spread awareness with the website
• Present to city council
• Contact Logansport Street Department

Solutions

• Increase the INDOT budget, specifically outline a series of grants destined towards the Small Communities Sidewalk Program in order to increase the Department's ability to actually tackle the issue.
• Amend Indiana law to make it a responsibility of the state to maintain sidewalks near properties in acceptable condition, not a responsibility of individual property owners.
• Establish minimum required investments in every Indiana town for the Small Community Sidewalks Program in order to ensure that aid is not just flowing into the big cities and residential areas while smaller towns get neglected.
• Create an inspector body within the Indiana Disability Rights commission to carry out routine inspections throughout the state and report any instances of sidewalks that may be troublesome for people with disabilities I.E. wheelchair or crutch users, and people who are generally impaired in their ability to move, and can't necessarily maneuver around these areas like a non-disabled person could.
• Present to City Board the idea of adding sidewalk to lacking areas