Village may look at master sidewalk plan

Warwick — The Village of Warwick is embarking on another sidewalk renovation project — this time on Division Street — as part of its plan to update neighborhood sidewalks using Community Development Block Grants through Housing and Urban Development. In the past few years, sidewalks on Van Buren, Howe and Factory streets were redone using HUD money. These projects also included new drainage and curbing. An application is now in to the county for sidewalks on John Street as well. Village resident Matt Sullivan thinks the Village Board should look at devising a five-year plan to repair or replace sidewalks throughout the village. “I think the condition of sidewalks in the village is terrible,” said Sullivan, “especially for older people.” Mayor Michael Newhard said every neighborhood is pretty much in need, but the HUD funding will not cover it all because of qualifying income limitations. “Maybe we have to do it ourselves,” suggested Sullivan. “We should look at long term bonds. That’s a bond project I could support.” But Sullivan does not necessarily want all of the sidewalks in the village replaced with concrete. “I would like to see the preservation of some of our sidewalks,” he said. “There are some beautiful slate sidewalks that need to be repositioned. Tree roots are causing issues with many of them.” Trustee Roger Metzger, who also serves on the Shade Tree Committee, said anyone with a root issue causing sidewalk problems can call the Village Hall. “If roots have lifted your sidewalk, call the village and we will come look at it,” said Metzger. “We will shave the roots back if the tree won’t die.” Newhard added: “We want to be proactive on this. West Street is a great example of great slate sidewalks. Maybe bonding is the way to go. We’ll look into it.”