News Summary
Columbus and Starkville are addressing their sidewalk maintenance responsibilities to improve pedestrian safety. While Columbus clarifies that property owners aren’t liable for public sidewalk upkeep, Starkville’s code requires initial construction during development. Residents can report issues to their respective city officials. Starkville also invests in new infrastructure projects to enhance pedestrian facilities, including a $1.1 million connector project and fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.
Columbus and Starkville Address Sidewalk Maintenance Responsibilities
Columbus and Starkville are actively addressing sidewalk maintenance responsibilities and safety issues. Sidewalks are essential for pedestrian travel, but damaged sidewalks can pose hazards. State law grants cities the authority to install and maintain sidewalks within their boundaries, leading to differing policies and responsibilities between the two cities.
In Columbus, Mayor Keith Gaskin has clarified that property owners are not required to maintain public sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Developers, however, must ensure that sidewalk issues in front of buildings are rectified during redevelopment projects. The City Attorney, Jeff Turnage, confirmed that the city retains the responsibility for maintenance and repair of sidewalks next to homes.
Residents in Columbus can report sidewalk issues through the SeeClickFix app or by contacting the public works department or their councilman. The city coordinates many repairs with street paving projects funded by the city’s internet use tax, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated. Minor sidewalk repairs are typically handled internally by the public works department, while larger projects or those requiring ADA-compliant ramps may be contracted out to private companies.
In contrast, Starkville’s Unified Development Code does not mandate that property owners maintain adjacent sidewalks. City Planner Daniel Havelin noted that the code requires sidewalks to be constructed at the initial development phase, with compliance upgrades during redevelopments. Mayor Lynn Spruill mentioned that the city is responsible for maintaining public sidewalks located on streets listed in city maps.
Residents in Starkville are encouraged to report sidewalk issues directly to Mayor Spruill or City Engineer Cody Burnett, who keep a list of areas needing upgrades. The city categorizes repairs based on the severity of damage, coordinating responses with either city departments or outside contractors as necessary. While the city generally bears legal responsibility for sidewalk conditions, liability issues in the event of accidents may arise if negligence can be proven.
If an issue on a city sidewalk arises from a property owner’s negligence, such as a water leak leading to damage, the property owner may be deemed liable if an accident occurs. This makes the understanding of liability complex, as it can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and nature of sidewalk defects.
In addition to sidewalk maintenance, Starkville is moving forward with a $1.1 million Spring Street connector project aimed at enhancing sidewalks and bike lanes in busy areas, supported by state funding. The initiative seeks to improve safety for pedestrians and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Furthermore, Starkville Utilities is installing a new fast-charging station for electric vehicles, backed by grants, which is part of a broader effort to improve local infrastructure. The demand for fast-charging stations in the area is reportedly on the rise, making this initiative timely and necessary as the prevalence of electric vehicles continues to grow.
The steps being taken by both cities underline the importance of pedestrian safety and infrastructure maintenance, which play a vital role in community well-being and mobility. As Columbus and Starkville navigate their sidewalk maintenance responsibilities, they are also addressing the growing needs of their respective populations in terms of transportation and accessibility.
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Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: Starkville Kicks Off New Phase of Spring Street Project
- Wikipedia: Sidewalk
- WTVA: Portion of Highway 182 in Starkville to Close for Construction
- Google Search: Sidewalk Maintenance
- World Atlas: 8 Towns in Mississippi with Bustling Main Streets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
- Columbus Dispatch: Golden Triangle Sees New Fast Charging Station for Electric Vehicles
- Google News: Starkville Infrastructure
