Long-deferred Reading sidewalk repair program moving forward

Jan. 25—A long-deferred Reading sidewalk repair program may move forward by spring.

City Council authorized the grant program in 2019 and earmarked $400,000 to help homeowners fix their broken sidewalks.

The amount had been set aside from the general fund for sidewalk repairs.

Chief of Staff Frank Denbowski said the pilot program, which was conceived during the previous administration but not implemented, will move forward.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, only for owner-occupied, single-family homes.

“The emphasis here is family homeowners,” Denbowski said, “This isn’t for rental properties or commercial properties.”

The 49 applications received in 2019 will be given priority, he said.

Applicants who received a sidewalk violation from the city or applicants who work with at least two adjacent property owners to fix their sidewalks also will receive priority, Denbowski said.

“I am assuming circumstances have changed for some folks,” Councilwoman Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz. “Are we going to remain with those 49 applicants or are we going to reopen the pool?”

No new applications are being accepted at this time, Denbowski said.

A staff committee will determine if the homeowners still qualify, said Jamal Abodalo, city community development director.

Denbowski said that once staff reviews the applications for eligibility, a committee including members of council could be formed to select grant recipients.

Councilwoman Donna Reed said it is important for council also to be represented in the selection process.

Approved applicants will be able to choose from a list of eligible contractors certified by the city to complete the needed repairs or replacements.

After pilot funding is exhausted, Denbowski said, the city can evaluate the program and decide if it can or should be expanded.

“The goal is to well maintain sidewalks that contribute to the safety, as well as improve the overall walkability, of the neighborhood,” he said.