Title
Resolution to Develop Program to Fill Sidewalk Gaps
Body
Whereas, Ann Arbor has a long history of encouraging alternative transportation;
Whereas, Ann Arbor adopted the Michigan Complete Streets policy and sidewalks are an integral part of the Complete Streets infrastructure;
Whereas, Many City streets have no sidewalks, requiring pedestrians to use the streets to get to and from their destinations, including bus stops;
Whereas, The lack of sidewalks is a greater hardship for the elderly, children and persons with disabilities;
Whereas, Many students walk along or in streets with no sidewalks and in the winter months, secondary school students are walking to school and to bus stops in the dark;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Public Schools recently reduced bus service, thus increasing the number of students walking to school;
Whereas, Vehicles parked along the curb in the street require pedestrians to walk in the middle of the traffic lane and encouraging alternative transportation methods means more vehicles parked in the streets;
Whereas, Filling the sidewalk gaps would increase safety and encourage more residents to walk or use the bus (Wikipedia "Complete Streets, Subsection: Effects cites studies of improved safety with Complete Streets infrastructure); and
Whereas, Act 51 funds can be used for alternative transportation, including sidewalks;
RESOLVED, That City staff will develop a 5-year program to fill sidewalk gaps;
RESOLVED, That City staff shall engage the public and give priority to school walk zones;
RESOLVED, That funding for the program shall come from Act 51 funds; and
RESOVLED, Staff shall present its program to Council during the FY14 budget cycle.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Anglin and Briere