HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Housing Commission will consider the funding mix for the city's sidewalk program at its meeting on Wednesday.
The City’s SAFE Sidewalk program was created in 2022 with an initial investment of $20,000 as a program to install, remove, and replace non-existing and defective concrete sidewalks.
In partnership with Hutch Rec, the City solicited applications from interested property owners and neighborhoods. A committee of City Staff, Adam Stewart from Hutch Rec, and two Housing Commissioners made those initial project decisions.
Using the City’s concrete contractor for removal and installation of the sidewalks streamlined the process and ensured the proper removal of the old sidewalks.
Removal of sidewalks will decrease the amount of sidewalk replaced, but by using the City’s contractor, it will allow the funds to stretch further than initially thought.
The City’s CIP approved budget for 2023 included $50,000 for the Safe Sidewalk Program and also earmarked $50,000 for 2024 & 2025.
On February 8th, city staff met to discuss the 2023 program. Applications for 2023 are now available on the City’s website and are due back by the end of March.
City staff recommends that $25,000 be awarded to Featured Neighborhoods just like last year’s program and the remaining $25,000 be used for city-wide sidewalk improvements.
Neighboring applications will receive priority as well as those willing to contribute to their project.
Signage will promote the City’s Safe Sidewalk Program on the sites awarded and built in 2023.
The Hutchinson Housing Commission will meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the City Council Chambers Workroom at 125 E. Avenue B.
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