Sidewalk project is a foot forward for Franklin

A new grant program is giving Franklin property owners a pathway to upgrade their sidewalks.

Applications have started to come in for the City of Franklin’s Neighborhood Sidewalk Pilot Program, which offers to split the cost for eligible property owners to replace or repair unsafe or damaged sidewalks.

​The city will pay 50% of the cost of the work as long as it is within the program area and completed by a qualified contractor.

The national average for a run-of-the-mill sidewalk replacement in front of your home is around $1,800, but can be well over $2,000, according to fixr.com. Franklin's pilot program to split the costs with residents is a big opportunity for saving a lot of money and making the neighborhood a safer place. There are many variables that can affect this cost.
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This first phase of the program is focused on repairing or replacing low-quality sidewalks, providing access for persons with disabilities and/or mobility restrictions, and filling key gaps in the sidewalk system.

​The city prioritized certain areas due to their proximity to major destinations and safety issues with the sidewalks. These areas include the following

• 12th Street from Eagle Street to Buffalo Street;
• Chestnut Street from 13th Street to 10th Street;
• Buffalo Street from 13th Street to 10th Street; and
• 11th Street from Chestnut Street to Liberty Street.

Property owners in that area should have received a letter and a copy of the application, according to Amanda Power, community development director who is overseeing this project. 

The program is primarily designed to assist residential property owners with the improvements necessary to make their sidewalks safe and usable. If the amount of interest exceeds the funds available, the city will prioritize the projects by the deterioration of the sidewalk, the anticipated benefit to the neighborhood with the safety improvement, and the proposed project’s continuity with other sidewalk improvements.

“Our hope is that this financial assistance will help property owners make the improvements necessary to make their sidewalks safe and useable. All completed sidewalk replacements/repairs remain the responsibility of the property owner for future care and maintenance,” Power said.

Funding for the program is being provided by the McElhattan Foundation.

​Detailed information on the program, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on the city’s website under the Development Department. The department can also be reached by calling 814-437-1922.

In 2018, the Franklin Pedestrian and Bicycle Connection Master Plan was completed to determine what alternative transportation needs existed in the local neighborhoods and how to connect different residential areas with important destination points within the city. The study focused on bicycles, wheelchairs, and pedestrian foot traffic, Power said.
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“Long-term we believe that basic infrastructure improvements like these will enhance the livability of our neighborhoods,” Power said. “Sidewalks play a key role in Franklin’s vision of a beautiful friendly city with great neighborhoods and convenient connectivity to our downtown, where easy pedestrian access is vital.”

In the neighborhood of costs

The Neighborhood Sidewalk Pilot Program for Franklin residents is difficult to pin-point exact costs to homeowner, however, under the program eligible property owners will split the cost with the city of Franklin. Amanda Power, community development director, shared the following numbers from a project in 2020 but cautioned that the current costs in this period of inflation may be different.

The price by square yard and thickness of the concrete:
 4"   $84.60/square yard or $9.40/sqare foot
 6"   $92.70/square yard $10.30/sqare foot
 8"   $110 /square yard $12.22/ sqare foot

The thickness required would depend on the location. There are other factors involved as well including heaved areas from tree roots etc. 

​Learn more: https://franklinpa.gov/sidewalkprogram