Huber Ridge Area

To clarify the post

Apparently I was misunderstood by at least one person regarding my view of who is responsible for sidewalks because of the above post.

Years ago I learned that the homeowner was responsible for the repair of their own sidewalk. Not too long ago, I read the local papers and followed what Westerville was doing to ensure safe sidewalks for their residents.

When I wrote of the injury our daughter sustained due to the not-so-obvious hole in the sidewalk, I did not intend to blame the township for not fixing the sidewalk, or for that matter, our neighbor. No blame, just the results of the effects of nature on an older neighborhood.

We had a crumbling sidewalk by our approach a few years ago and chose to repair it for the safety of those who used it. The repair affected our budget.
Sidewalk repairs and replacement will cost a lot to homeowners. We will no doubt have to pay to replace the rest of our sidewalk in the near future. One of the sections is raised up.

What I do mean to say about the sidewalk issue is that we as a township should have a plan in place to deal with the problem. The plan will cost homeowners and will likely take time. The township could facilitate this plan. That is as far as I will take it. This is where I depend on and trust our leaders to do what is best for all - obtain a win, win.

It is the Twp's responsibility

According to the county, the township is responsible for making sure the sidewalks are maintained - either by the homeowner voluntarily or otherwise. They (the county) went so far as to suggest we call the county prosecutors office to have this enforced since our trustees are not will to do so.

Maintaining a house, especially older ones like ours, can be expensive ?– but that?’s just part of home ownership.


By Resident

Really?

I called the county today and spoke with zoning and then the county engineer. Neither indicated any certainty about who is responsible. Both believed it was the homeowner's responsibility. Ultimately, both deferred the decision to the township and suggested that I call the township. One mentioned that ORC might dictate responsibility, but again, did not want to say for sure.

I attended the October 31st Trustee Meeting long enough (could not stay for entire meeting) to hear Mr. Ward address the issue of sidewalks. He did not indicate that the township would cover sidewalk replacement costs. On the contrary.

So I wonder who at the county level suggested that we call the prosecutor's office and for what reason. With whom did you speak?