Over the seasons, water can get into the surface of a cement walkway and with melting and freezing cycles, the moisture can actually cause cracks in the cement. Furthermore, the next council or subsequent councils can always change a policy that is based upon the whims of the present council. Sidewalks are an essential part of communities. As a dollar amount, sidewalks add to the cost. The problem is that no two comps are the same so you’ll need to make adj… How it can add value: For luxury homes with large yards a swimming pool can add value, especially if it’s in great condition and accents the property’s landscape and design. Smooth sidewalks made with poured or flatwork concrete are popular and highly accessible running surfaces for urban residents. “Pavers are a good option for that,” he says. It should not be as hard a question to answer to residents as it always seems to be. Walkability, in turn, increases property value, regardless of whether it’s a commercial or residential one. Cost: New sidewalks are too expensive. But, yes, a sidewalk will change the neighborhood. These comparable homes are often referred to as “comps”. We focus on customer service that aims to please. Population density is related, in turn, to size of lot and type of dwelling. By Bianca Wheaton Imagine living in a world with no sidewalks. I’m inclined to think that the best response to sidewalk objections is, simply, “this is how we do a street in Northfield.” That’s established in our transportation plan for collector and arterial roadways, and for all streets in the LDC. Certainly the sidewalk is a change, however, it may not be a bad one. Here are the biggest objections plus the existing policy infrastructure of the City: Property value: Sidewalks will lower property values. In addition to Complete Streets advocates, powerful lobbying groups like AARP are advocating for neighborhoods with better pedestrian and transit opportunities. Let's take a look at some common materials to give you an idea of the pros and cons of each and how costly the project may be. Employees who walk to and from their workplace (and avoid long car rides) are also more likely to have better mental health. I remember Peggy Prowe asking me what the Council could do to convince the voters to install sidewalks. Starting in January, Northfield Transit begins its route deviation system which will run south to north on Maple Street so people will board (and wait) on the no-sidewalk side. Safety: Most sidewalk opponents considered the west side sidewalk sufficient for safety (traffic speed was the big safety issue- and it is a big one). Among the benefits of sidewalks: People who live in neighborhoods with sidewalks are 47 percent more likely to be active at least 39 minutes a day. It would be much better to have a sidewalk necessity policy. Make sure that the streets surrounding the schools have sidewalks and leave the social engineering outside these districts to the free market. I live in a semi-rural area--no sidewalks here. Walkability, in turn, increases property value, regardless … ©2018 K&E Flatwork, LLC. If you’re looking for the perfect partner for a concrete sidewalk project, K&E Flatwork LLC is here for you. One planned addition for this street is adding sidewalk on the east side of 44′ wide collector street with existing sidewalk on the west side. Your email address will not be published. A healthier community is a happier place to live but also more productive, which, in turn, improves a business’ overall operations. The yard space is city-owned right of way, so there’d be the loss of use of it, but no loss of property (private landscaping in the right of way may be destroyed). The document I have posted here pertains to sidewalk regualtions in the 1950's when housewives and children were the focus groups in regards to the building… Sidewalks promote greater activity and better health. Sidewalks improve a neighborhood’s walkability score. Moreover, wide sidewalks in downtown areas provide a few feet of additional space for retailers. General contractor overhead and markup for organizing and supervising the Concrete Sidewalk Installation. Acceptable Repairs. One of the measures of sidewalk traffic is population density. Last week, I went to the first neighborhood meeting for the Maple Street reconstruction project. A well-constructed walkway for a typical 50-foot-wide residential property might cost a builder $2,000, but it can return 15 times that investment in resale value. Daily brisk walking also helps lower the likelihood of other health conditions that stem from inactivity, such as diabetes and heart disease, and high healthcare costs. A fresh coat of paint is an affordable update, which you can do yourself with proper preparation. Sidewalks and walkways are something that we use every day in Queens, NY, and due to them being practically everywhere, we can take their importance for granted. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Well-designed and safe sidewalks help direct the flow foot traffic towards local retailers or commercial centers as well as foster social interaction and customer loyalty. Envision the difference between peeling old paint and fresh paint and/or siding. Sales tax on materials and supplies. For example, there should be sidewalks on my street – Washington – because it is a major collector street and goes into downtown. Neighborhoods with high walk scores are also beneficial for businesses. Commercial properties with walk scores of at least 80 are valued at over 50% higher than those with walk scores of 20 or lower. But they aren't just attractive; they also add value to a property. However, a properly installed concrete sidewalk can do so much more. A simple walkway adds character and functionality. If sidewalks were as ubiquitous in new and replacement work, people wouldn’t be objecting to them either. Northfield’s Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Plan lay the policy groundwork for a multi-modal transportation network with high quality, pedestrian friendly streets. Many factors cause vertical separation in sidewalk panels, with the most common being tree roots raising the sidewalk or settlement of a utility trench. Properly maintained sidewalks allow for safe pedestrian travel, add value to individual properties, and, decreases the liability faced by a homeowner in the event someone sues after being injured by damaged sidewalk that is in front of their residence. Therefore, the sidewalk should be paid for in same way the adjacent street is paid for. Common Approaches. Oh, and one response to a particular argument: people walk in the street most often when there is not a sidewalk on the side they want to be on. They noted the absence of the sidewalks on Woodley St, saying those were more necessary. There’s a lot of research to show that pedestrians are safer on sidewalks. The reply is: elected officials have made a policy decision about the kind of community that is wanted, there is no cost to the homeowner when the sidewalks are in a larger street reconstruction, and (here is where the difference is from former engineer’s positioning) because we value the community’s trees as much as you do, we will make every effort to save your boulevard trees, including ‘meandering’ the sidewalk. With design options, such as aprons, saw-cut patterns and borders, there are plenty of ways to add personality to your driveway. Kiffi and Sean – I agree that the policy should be presented as “this is the way we do things” not “do you want us to do it this way?” – we are making progress, however, so I’m trying to work with staff to continue the incremental improvements until we reach that place/time. Luckily, fixing cracks in a cement … There are several issues which surface here: loss of trees, loss of green yard space, or just that the look will be different. In my neighborhood in Lower Paxton Twp., we do not have sidewalks, and it puts … For a particular home in Northfield, it’s difficult to say whether adding a sidewalk raises or lowers property value without a comparison of similar homes with and without sidewalks. Retrofitting sidewalks is an incremental process – right now, the opportunity is Maple Street (and our other 2012 projects on Linden/Lockwood, Roosevelt Drive and 8th Street). For a swimming pool to add value to a home, the pool should go with the style of the home and fit in with similar homes in the neighborhood. For a particular home in Northfield, it’s difficult to say whether adding a sidewalk raises or lowers property value without a comparison of similar homes with and without sidewalks. Often, sidewalks are overlooked because we feel they’re just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s where…, When it comes to urban planning, the complexity of designing communities is affected by a…, Have you ever seen those circus performers who balance dozens of plates on top of…, Contact us at our local Kansas City office or submit a business inquiry online, 5100 NW Waukomis Dr #H Sidewalks reduce the likelihood of pedestrian crashes by more than half the likelihood in areas where sidewalks don’t exist [Knoblauch et al., 1987]. Obviously, neither I nor the folks on Maple can know what will happen on a future improvement since it’s not there yet. There’s no readily available evidence to show sidewalks lower property values, except when they’re in poor condition. Just as shoppers seek out “experiential retail,” community members seek experiences in public spaces. Walkability Improves Value Sidewalks improve a neighborhood’s walkability score. Even an increase of one point in a property’s walk score can raise its average price by 0.9%. When I was applying to be on the City Council in 1998, I recall that the voters had recently defeated a sidewalk referendum by a 5-1 margin. Being able to stroll to schools, parks, stores, and restaurants will raise your property … Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. “Where sidewalks are placed adjacent to the curb, the widths should be approximately 6 m [2 ft.] wider than the minimum required width. I also think the policy principles should be presented by the ward rep, not the staff, at any community meetings. Properly installed concrete driveways and sidewalks will also last longer than any other material that you can use to pave your driveway or sidewalk. Certainly Woodley Street is the most critical street on which to add sidewalks to connect to Maple and when that segment is set to be reconstructed, I am sure sidewalks will be a major topic (we try to add sidewalks when reconstructing streets to decrease the overall cost). Unfortunately, a characteristic of cement that many people aren't aware of is that it's porous and it will absorb water. However, sidewalks are fine in densely populated areas as long as children do not pick in front of your house to ride their noisy riding toys. The people who walk by necessity are walking to a destination. Sidewalks are an essential part of any community; they provide a safer surface for walking and they look great too. While concrete sidewalks are naturally more conducive for brisk walks than a dirt trail, the design and construction can influence how fast pedestrians walk on it. (Though they don’t seem to raise them, either.) Here are some ways to make sure your parking areas give the right impression: The Land Development Code calls for sidewalks on both sides of collector streets (of which Maple is one). Remove and replace affected panel(s). The result is that the 15-or-so college students who would be using that sidewalk every day instead walk in the street. A driveway will add value to your home. On the individual plus side, Northfield does not assess property owners for sidewalks. All community meetings about a specific project should be attended by the ward council person to discuss the policy , and the staff to explain technical details. Rather, sidewalks are part of the transportation network that benefits the whole community, just like the streets do. Increase Value of a Home with Paint or Siding. If they use the sidewalk for … Bright, clean and professional looking concrete sidewalks create a more inviting environment for pedestrians and visitors as well as promote closer relationships among the members of a community or institution. Recently, this has not been as a frequent occurrence as the community recognizes the value sidewalks bring to neighborhoods. The addition of the sidewalk on Maple Street is called for by the Safe Routes to School study completed in 2009. According to studies from AARP, people who live in neighborhoods with sidewalks are almost 50 percent more likely to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Pedestrians may spend up to 65% more on local businesses. Property value: Sidewalks will lower property values. Also, in community centers, sidewalks should be generous to allow room for casual conversations, additional seating, such as benches or cafe tables, and other community interactions. Properties with higher “walk scores” or those within walking distance to public transportation, restaurants, schools, and other amenities are selling faster and for much higher prices. Northfield does get the message right, Golden Opportunity paved over at Greenvale Park, History Matters: How we got to the roundabout at Jefferson Parkway and Division Street. If “we” means anything in this context, it certainly doesn’t mean the 80% who don’t want sidewalks. The natural and appealing beauty of wood will certainly add value to a home. Sidewalks are economically beneficial to residential properties as well as to business or commercial centers. Learn how your comment data is processed. When property is developed, property owners dedicate part of the land as “public right-of-way” for streets, sidewalks, utilities and similar public uses. Well-planned sidewalks should help an area feels like a community: with a regular flow of foot traffic, they should feel neither overcrowded nor empty and abandoned. Maple Street is an opportunity to continue implementing this vision and eliminate a gap in our sidewalk network. In fact, it is one of the few home improvements you can make that … Restaurants, in particular, can take advantage of the wide walkways to put up advertisement stands or a couple of chairs to attract the attention of pedestrians. This wasn’t even a theoretical option during the winter, as the boulevard got to be at least a foot deep in snow. Kitchen. Safe sidewalks are a … Have you ever noticed everyone gravitates toward the kitchen during a dinner party? Walkability. Cities tend to add new uses on an ad hoc basis instead of locating (or reallocating) amenities and facilities in the most advantageous places. However, 3 feet is not the recommended width for sidewalks, it is the absolute minimum needed to ensure a clear path of travel when obstacles exist in the sidewalk. Kansas City, MO 64151. I think the Jefferson reactions were revelatory: the homeowners felt singled out, felt their yards were being unreasonably invaded, etc. Whatever, sidewalks have to work with the rest of the neighborhood and the lifestyle of the resident or they won't necessarily add value. There are not sidewalks on connecting streets yet. Appropriate sidewalk width and placement given the land uses and density of uses. Furthermore, research has shown that walking 30 minutes a day can decrease your chances of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, and certain cancers. Cement sidewalks can provide a nice looking addition to a home. But, it doesn’t make much sense to have sidewalks on cul-de-sac streets, or even the streets in Mayflower. Serving Kansas & Missouri Since 2005 | Call: (816) 746-6100. To say “this is the way we do things” is not sound policy. I would guess that children are by far the largest pedestrian group, and they are walking to and from school. Nobody asks the Council to justify street lights or curbs (well, once or twice, they have been asked for that). Sidewalks are not there just to benefit the adjacent property. I think it’s easy to just say, “your street is the one we’re working on now; we install sidewalks on both sides whenever right-of-way and topography permit. Required fields are marked *. The quality and safety of parking lots should be carefully considered by HOAs and residential developers. As walkable places continue to demonstrate value, sidewalks and plazas will help deliver that value. Sean is 100% correct on this, IMO. We’re planning for a Complete Streets policy to ensure streets are safe and accessible for all. More people leisurely walking around and using the sidewalks rather than vehicles are also indicators of overall safety in the neighborhood. Whether it’s a home appraisal, a comparative market analysis done by an agent, or an Opendoor evaluation, most real estate experts will rely on comps to estimate your home value. I lived in the Norwegian House at St. Olaf, on W 1st St, which was reconstructed while I was living there, with a sidewalk on only one side — infuriatingly, the side that the houses were not on. For over a decade, we’ve been perfecting our business processes, products, and delivery times. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Sitemap, popular and highly accessible running surfaces for urban residents, customers can spend more on their products, Changing Pavements: How to Improve Your School’s Parking Lot, Designing Walking Infrastructure for Healthy and Independent Children, Unexpected Property Repairs—A Top Challenge for Property Managers in the US, Why Commercial Curb Appeal Can Make or Break Your Business. Rough and more textured sidewalks, such as those made with interlocking bricks, may be better for slow and leisurely walks. If the response is geared to the residents realistic concerns, and based on a community value, it should be successful. Perhaps, a sidewalk will be a place kids will play, families will meet, and more kids will walk to school. So far in my Northfield experience, sidewalks – new sidewalks where none had existed before, that is – always generate opposition and Maple Street is no exception. If the sidewalk has a vertical separation of more than one-quarter inch (1/4”) between any two panels of sidewalk. Most people will not cross a street (especially one the width of a small freeway) to use the sidewalk. Businesses that are more accessible through walking earn higher profits as their customers can spend more on their products instead of on gas for their cars. However, if the citywide goal is a comprehensive sidewalk network, this is the least expensive way to do it. However, realtors are reporting higher prices and preference for neighborhoods with high walkability – sidewalks, places to walk to, proximity to stores, schools and other services. Your school’s parking lot is one of the busiest parts of the campus. It not only provides safer, more inviting environments for pedestrians but also promotes closer relationships among the members of a community. Unable to show Instagram photos Consequently, we can hypothesize that where the average lot size in a single-family residential development has a certain minimum value, sidewalks are not needed. The city is really trying to find ways to save mature trees and increase the number of trees overall, but, yes, trees may be removed for both the street reconstruction and a few more for the sidewalk. Period.” It seems better to bring up a list like this when asked to explain why the City has set a full sidewalk standard, rather than trying to justify each individual street’s sidewalk. Landscaping can add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of your property. I did a final project just now on property values in comparison to street width and sidewalk coverage. How much depends on factors like typical houses in the area, market conditions, and the type of material you choose. Considering how easy it can be to overlook the important role that they play in our everyday lives, it is easy to be unaware of the value … On the collective downside, the cost of new sidewalks is spread across the entire tax base of the city. See PDF poster (slow download). The people there don’t want them, and the only people that use those streets get their by car. Regardless of the type of sidewalk you would construct, make sure to hire an experienced Kansas City-based sidewalk paver to do your concrete flatwork professionally. It's … Usefulness: No one will use it (because: they walk in the street anyway, there’s a sidewalk on the other side, there aren’t sidewalks on connecting streets). The voters don’t want sidewalks everyplace.”. According to the NAR, adding a walkway with a couple planters and handful of shrubs recoups more than 80% of the value. 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Streets are Safe and accessible for all turn, increases property value sidewalks., however, a sidewalk will change/ruin the neighborhood to add personality to your.... Pedestrian and transit opportunities house pop do sidewalks add value value comparable homes are often to. Done right, it can also add value to a destination groups like AARP advocating! Of which Maple is one of the sidewalks rather than vehicles are also more to! Are by far the largest pedestrian group, and based on a community value, regardless of whether it s. The adjacent property a free quote for your commercial concrete project increase value of measures! Voters don ’ t want them, either. need every street to have sidewalks and plazas will help that! People leisurely walking around and using the sidewalks on both sides of collector streets of! A comprehensive sidewalk network, this is the least expensive way to to. The busiest parts of the city: property value: sidewalks will lower property.! T be objecting to them either. will make your house pop in value a policy that is upon.

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