By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Construction has begun on a sidewalk project on N. Fifth St. in Decatur, and funds remain in the city’s 50/50 sidewalk program, city Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert told city council at its latest meeting.
The area of new sidewalks is on the west side of Fifth, just south of Meibers St.
“We are progressing well; we should be out of there in another week or so with some nice sidewalks,” Gilbert said.
He added that the city still has some funds remaining in its 50/50 program, and anyone interested should contact the public works department, 724-3356.
The city annually puts $50,000 into the sidewalk program. Under it, a property owner – once approved – pays half the cost of installing a new sidewalk or repairing a current one and the city picks up the other 50%.
Under a new format initiated last year, a property owner can pay 25% of the cost of installation, with the city covering the remaining 75%. Then the property owner has one year to pay his/her remaining 25% to the city.
The payment plan, however, covers only residential areas.
