Sidewalks a Mess? Apply Now for City Repair Funds

This winter has not been kind to anyone or anything, including sidewalks. If yours is in need of repair, you can apply to the city for funds to help cover the cost of repair.

Here's how, according to the City of Evanston's website:

50/50 SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

Streets are maintained by the city, but the repair and replacement of damaged sidewalk slabs are the responsibility of the homeowmer or business whose property is adjacent to the sidewalk. To help with that responsibility, the City of Evanston offers property owners the opportunity to improve the appearance and safety of their homes and neighborhoods with the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

Under the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program the city pays half the cost of replacing the eligible sidewalk with the property owner paying the other 50 percent. The program covers all public sidewalks in the city including those in front of homes, businesses, churches and schools.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?

Any private property in the City of Evanston, residential or business, is eligible for the program. The City engineers are now accepting applications for the 2014 sidewalk repairs and will assist you with your questions. Please contact us by calling 3-1-1 (or 847-448-4311) or Send Us a Message or Submit a Service Request.

WHAT SIDEWALK IS COVERED?

Main sidewalk that is deteriorated is eligible for the 50/50 cost sharing. Private lead walks extending from the street curb to the main sidewalk and private service walks extending from the main walk to the home or business are the sole responsibility of the owner. The city assumes the total cost for replacement of the “key” areas of an intersection where the sidewalk extends to the street corner. 

WHAT WILL IT COST ME?

2013 Typical 5’ Sidewalk Slab Cost (100% Total) = $140.00 per slab
(50% Property Owner Cost) =   $70.00 per slab
(50% City Cost) =   $70.00 per slab

Price will be finalized each year based on the competitive bids received by the City.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR PARTICIPATION?

1) Register to be placed on the 50/50 Sidewalk Program list by contacting 311.
2) City staff will visit the site to make a rough measurement to prepare the program list.  Areas needing temporary patching will be addressed at this time.  City staff will then follow up with the property owner.
3) Once a project list is established, it is bid, a contractor is selected, and unit prices are finalized.  Property owners are contacted with additional instructions including a firm estimate of costs.
4) After the property owner has agreed to a quantity for replacement, the property owner is invoiced.  Payment can be made at the City Collector’s Office which accepts a variety of payment forms.

WHO DOES THE WORK AND WHEN?

The contractor selected through competitive bidding will do the work during the summer or fall months.  City Engineers will inspect and approve all replacement work after it is completed before paying the contractor for the job.

Report poor sidewalk condition or poor brick sidewalk condition

Request to participate in sidewalk replacement program

Report unlicensed sidewalk cafe or sidewalk cafe conditions

Request a sidewalk be evaluated for replacement