I’ve received more feedback from Burnaby residents about why they might want to fight the city over a new sidewalk project.
This was the subject of a recent column, in which the city said people who object to new sidewalks cite such reasons as loss of parking and loss of landscaping features.
One reader has another reason – they are too cheap.
“There's a couple of reasons why a homeowner might very legitimately not want sidewalks,” wrote Linda.
“1. The LASP program requires that homeowners share the cost of the sidewalks. A project that includes gutters and sidewalks costs the homeowner $21.03/meter for 15 years. For a 50' lot, that's $320/ year, for a total of $4807. You might argue that it increases the property value, but if you're not planning to sell, it doesn't benefit you.
“2. If you're on a street with lot of renters in basement suites, you need the edges of the street for parking. With sidewalks, the cars must park fully on the street, causing it to be narrowed such that you end up with effectively a one-lane street.
“3. Responsibility for shoveling snow. Not a big deal for everyone, but it can be trying for seniors, or for their younger neighbours who kindly help them out before going to work for the day.
“4. And oh, the joys of battling with neighbours over parking spaces. Potentially quite nasty.
I can appreciate that sidewalks are safer and more inviting in many ways, and as a walker I appreciate them. If the street is designed to have sidewalks when it's initially put in, it's probably fine. But for the older streets, sometimes, not so much.
Just thought you might like to hear another point of view.”
The city didn’t mention in its staff report about residents not wanting to pay anything extra. I find it sad that homeowners who have seen their properties grow by hundreds of thousands of dollars in value just in the past few years get upset about paying a few bucks a year.
Oh, and the argument about suddenly being responsible to shovel snow is so laughable I can’t even see straight. Heaven forbid a resident has to put in a little effort.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
