Conceptually, the sidewalks were supposed to be phased in over time as benefits are observed and other development occurs...maybe. And the projected cost has risen over three times the original estimate. What was to be a simple sidewalk has grown into a six foot behemoth along with an enormous reconstruction of the village streetscape, with major landscaping, land acquisitions, drainage, and curbing. The "keep it simple" process has been totally abandoned because the money is there in the bank to spend. Imagine, many sidewalks are 3-4 feet wide....but we spec. out 6 ft. which means even a double pass to clear snow. I think folks would accept a $200,000 project as originally forecast, not an $800,000 project. Maybe the engineers need to go back to the drawing board.
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