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Sidewalk moves forward
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MONROE - The Board of Public Works on Monday voted unanimously to request quotes for the cost to install a sidewalk to connect 8th Street to the new Walmart Supercenter.

There currently is a 450-foot gap in the sidewalk along 6th Avenue West from the new facility.

City Engineer Supervisor Al Gerber said it would cost about $23,500 to complete the sidewalk. Walmart offered the city $8,000 to help cover the cost, and Gerber said his department has the remaining $15,000 in its budget.

Gerber said he hopes to have quotes by Oct. 2 and said he expects the sidewalk to be installed by the end of the year, "depending on the weather."

Several city residents have expressed concern the sidewalk built by Walmart on 6th Avenue West only extends from the store to the south end of the overpass over Wisconsin 11/81. Pedestrians must use the street or walk in the grass.

Wheelchair users pointed out the dangers of being in the street near the off ramp, and the difficulties of traveling in both the grass and the snow.

On Aug. 31, Monroe Mayor Ron Marsh announced he received a letter from the Walmart Corporation pledging $8,000 toward the construction of the sidewalk leading from West 8th Street to the overpass bridge.

The property is owned by the Munz family and was annexed in April 2008. As part of the annexation request, the Munz family is not to be assessed for sidewalks installed nor are they to be responsible for maintenance of the sidewalk.