More than 50 residents attended an open house last week to learn more about the proposed sidewalk project on the west side of Jefferson.
The proposal is to construct sidewalks on the north side of W. Lincoln Way west of Grimmell Rd, and around the curve to the south on the west side of the road to Westwood Drive. On Westwood, new sidewalk would be constructed on the north side of the road from Grimmell Rd to Briarwood Bend. A sidewalk would also be constructed on the west side of Grimmell Rd between Westwood and Lincoln Way.
The new sidewalks would not continue on side streets and cul-de-sacs.
According to engineer Jim Lieding, the sidewalks are proposed to be 6 feet wide, 1 foot wider than the city’s standard minimum and 2 feet wider than sidewalks in older neighborhoods. The sidewalk would be 6 inches thick.
Property owners would get a break once the sidewalk is built. Although residents are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks, a city crew would take care of snow removal on the new sidewalks. The added thickness of the concrete is to accommodate the city’s snow removal methods and equipment.
If the project goes forward, the final design plans will specify that the contractor is responsible for removing and replacing landscaping during the project. Lawns disturbed during construction would be regraded and reseeded, with the contractor watering the new seed for 21 days.
The plan would also include work on driveways impacted by the project. Damaged concrete would be replaced with concrete. On gravel driveways, the contractor would construct a concrete approach to the driveway to accommodate the slope created by the sidewalk. Replacing a driveway from the curb to a house or garage is not part of the project.
The project is in the preliminary design stage. City engineers from Bolten & Menk are gathering input from the public and city staff regarding the project. No decisions have been made about funding the project, which has an estimated cost of $1 million. Detailed design work won’t be done until feedback is received and a funding mechanism is found.
If the project moves forward, construction will start next spring and be completed during the fall of 2026.
A sidewalk on Westwood Dr had been discussed for several years. It moved up on the priority list when the Greene County school district reduced bus service for students in that neighborhood two years ago. The city immediately reduced the speed limit to 25 mph as safety measure for students who may be walking. Persons who want more information can call city officials at 515-386-3111 or project manager Jim Leiding at515-415-9232.
