September 8, 2014 (updated)

LANCC Sidewalks Committee

LANCC has formed an ad hoc committee to review, analyze, and oversee the repair of our sidewalks, consider who is responsible for the repair of the sidewalks, and develop financing alternatives.

Paul Krekorian has proposed a Sidewalk Repair Program (see below) and has asked for
Community Impact Statements by October 1, 2014.

—————-

Neighborhood Council Community Impact Statement

On September 6, 2014, LANCC passed the following Community Impact Statement.

The _____________________ Neighborhood Council supports a “fix and release” plan for the repair of our tree damaged sidewalks. The City will issue bonds to finance the repair. There will be no new taxes. The City may develop alternative plans (50/50 program, loan fund, Assessment Districts) that rely on the voluntary participation by Property Owners. Property Owners and the City may retain independent contractors and managers. The City will assess the status of our sidewalks and prioritize the necessary repairs. The City will establish a well-funded, independent Oversight Committee to ensure transparency throughout the process.

—————

The City estimates that 40% (4,600 miles) of its 10,750 miles of sidewalks are in some state of disrepair.

The estimated cost to repair the 4,600 miles of damaged sidewalks is $1.5 billion.

Paul Krekorian commented that a February 2008 Street Services report indicated that 38% of the City’s parcels had sidewalks in need for repair. His rough calculus was that only 12% of our sidewalks are in need of repair.

 http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2005/05-1853_rpt_boss_2-12-08.pdf

So what is the status of our sidewalks and how much will it cost to repair?

Who will pay for the repair of our sidewalks?

The City assumed the responsibility for tree damaged sidewalks in 1973, overriding a 1911 state law that assigned responsibility to the property owners.
The City, citing a lack of money, is suggesting alternative financing schemes.

The reinstatement of the 50/50 program that was discontinued in 2009.

A no or low interest revolving loan fund.

Assessment Districts.

New “revenue streams” (otherwise known as a tax).

The City is considering increased enforcement.

Citations.

Point of sale.

Point of permit.

Questions:

Should the City develop an operating plan to repair our sidewalks?

Should this plan prioritize the repairs depending on the level of disrepair?

The City has budgeted $27 million this year for the repair of our sidewalks, in large part because of the potential liabilities associated with the Willits federal class action lawsuit alleging the City has violated the American With Disabilities Act. The City is proposing to devote this allocation to the repair of City owned sidewalks. Is this a proper allocation?

Should residential and commercial property owners be treated differently?

Should property owners be able to hire private contractors?

Should the City be required to reimburse property owners for the repair of tree damaged sidewalks if they use an independent contractor?

Should property owners be responsible for tree damaged sidewalks?

The Los Angeles Times endorsed a “fix and release” program where the City would pay for the repair of the sidewalks, after which the sidewalks would be the responsibility of the property owner. Is this an acceptable policy?

Should the City outsource the management of the Sidewalk Repair Program? Or should it rely on the Bureau of Street Services?

Should the City hire independent contractors as was proposed in the Save Our Streets LA plan?

Should the City allow the repair of only damaged segments of a property’s sidewalk?

Should the City consider the use of alternative materials and methodologies to repair our sidewalks?

Should the City develop a program to require the repair of sidewalks that are not the result of tree damage?

Should the City consider a Sidewalk Tax? This new tax could be a parcel tax, a parcel tax based on the length of the sidewalk, a new property tax, and/or an increase in the sales tax.

Should the City consider financing the repair of the sidewalks through the issuance of long term bonds that will be the obligation of the General Fund?

If the City proposes a Sidewalk Tax, should it be contingent on meaningful budget reform?

What is the role of Neighborhood Councils, homeowner associations, and other organizations?

——————–

Paul Krekorian – A snapshot of the proposed Citywide Sidewalk Repair Program:

Repair buckled sidewalks at private residences and commercial properties by:

1. Reconstituting the 50/50 shared cost sidewalk program to repair broken sidewalks at private homes, with 50% of the cost of repair paid by the city and 50% by homeowners;
2. Developing a low- or no-interest revolving loan program from which homeowners can borrow to make sidewalk repairs and repay over a fixed term;
3. Establishing a Sidewalk Repair Trust Fund to help pay for future sidewalk repairs at private homes;
4. Developing a complaint-driven mapping and prioritization system to identify and coordinate repairs to sidewalks most dangerous to pedestrians;
5. Creating an enforcement mechanism to ensure commercial property owners comply with existing sidewalk laws; and
6. Developing a plan to create design and construction standards for sidewalks to maximize mobility.
7. Repair public sidewalks at parks, municipal buildings and community facilities.