Big bucks marked for Kingston sidewalks

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The Kingston village commission estimates it will cost close to $650,000 to make sidewalk improvements approved at its July meeting.

Acting clerk/ treasurer Bill McKennan reported to the August 13 meeting of the commission extending the Pine Ridge Avenue sidewalk west from Magee Drive to Westwood Street will account for $266,000. The addition of a sidewalk to Westwood, from Pine Ridge to Main Street, will cost $383,000.

“There is more frontage along Westwood and no existing storm drainage system to link to,” explained McKennan of the cost differential between the two parts of the project.

The village has $305,000 in its sidewalk reserves fund. After the county kicks in 15 per cent of the total, $98,000, the village will have to borrow another $250,000.

McKennan said the village will incur an annual debt of $34,000, which will leave about $40,000 to put back into its annual sidewalk reserve for future projects. The village raises approximately $75,000 each year through its sidewalk area rate.

As a 2005 study did not include any engineering specifics for sidewalk upgrades, the village will need to have plans drawn up. McKennan hoped a consultant will be able to tackle the project in the next six to eight weeks, leaving open the possibility of fall construction.

“It will be tight, but fall construction isn’t out of the question.”

Commissioner Muriel Craig, who wanted the village commission to consult with residents before committing to any sidewalk improvements, dug her heels in at the August meeting until her peers agreed to host an public information session after specifics are established.

In September of 2007, the commission held its first semi-annual general meeting for residents. Attendance was low, and the commission is debating about hosting another similar event this fall. Commissioner David Lowe pointed out, if it is repeated, it would be an ideal time to present the sidewalk project to the public.