I was very surprised to learn about the street repair and reconstruction issue that has been discussed recently. I had no idea that a home owner could be assessed for street repairs in their block or in proximity to their homes. This seems unbelievable to me if I understand it correctly. If I am misinformed, please correct me.
I am wondering if this rule has ever been applied before. It seems to make no sense to me that homeowners should pay for street work in front of their house, while all of us have the privilege of using that street. Aren't the streets a part of the city infrastructure?
What if the homeowner says "don't fix the street. I am fine with it as it is?" What if the homeowner says "go ahead and abandon the street?" I'm sure that would not be allowed. It seems to me the only logical solution is for all taxpayers to share in street repairs in all parts of the city. I certainly don't see my tax bill increased, but I don't see any other way that would be equitable for everyone.
Thanks to Jan Lefevre, Ward 4, for bringing this issue to our attention. I would assume that there are a lot of homeowners who feel that this policy should be changed. If so, it is probably important to attend the City Council meeting on May 6 to show support for making a change. With everyone working together, maybe someone can come up with a fair and equitable solution.
Editor's Note: In reference to Mr. Rote's question about whether this rule has been applied before, it has. In 2005, residents were assessed between $2,500 and $7,000 for street and sidewalk work on Sixth Street btween 16th and 18th avenues. In 2004, residents on the 1400 and 1500 blocks of 16th Street were assessed between $1,500 and $4,500 for work. Two other projects resulted in assessments of between $400 and $800 - in 1992 on 17th Avenue between Sixth and Ninth streets; and in 1991 on 20th Avenue from Sixth to Ninth Street.
I am wondering if this rule has ever been applied before. It seems to make no sense to me that homeowners should pay for street work in front of their house, while all of us have the privilege of using that street. Aren't the streets a part of the city infrastructure?
What if the homeowner says "don't fix the street. I am fine with it as it is?" What if the homeowner says "go ahead and abandon the street?" I'm sure that would not be allowed. It seems to me the only logical solution is for all taxpayers to share in street repairs in all parts of the city. I certainly don't see my tax bill increased, but I don't see any other way that would be equitable for everyone.
Thanks to Jan Lefevre, Ward 4, for bringing this issue to our attention. I would assume that there are a lot of homeowners who feel that this policy should be changed. If so, it is probably important to attend the City Council meeting on May 6 to show support for making a change. With everyone working together, maybe someone can come up with a fair and equitable solution.
Editor's Note: In reference to Mr. Rote's question about whether this rule has been applied before, it has. In 2005, residents were assessed between $2,500 and $7,000 for street and sidewalk work on Sixth Street btween 16th and 18th avenues. In 2004, residents on the 1400 and 1500 blocks of 16th Street were assessed between $1,500 and $4,500 for work. Two other projects resulted in assessments of between $400 and $800 - in 1992 on 17th Avenue between Sixth and Ninth streets; and in 1991 on 20th Avenue from Sixth to Ninth Street.
