Why are new developments on the Island required to provide sidewalks and public amenities, but taxpayers are being asked to pay for replacing the Winslow Way sidewalks?
Public amenities such as sidewalks are paid for in three distinct ways: through private funds in coordination with new development (new sidewalks at Harbor Square), through public funds for the replacement of existing facilities (replaced sidewalks on lower Madison), and through public funds for construction of new facilities (new sidewalks on Ericksen). The Streetscape project fits into the middle category, as there are existing public facilities that are in dire need of replacement. Although it’s possible that some of the property owners on Winslow Way will choose to reinvest in their properties after the completion of the Streetscape project, the City cannot depend on each owner to replace the existing public facilities in a timely and coordinated manner.
Related Questions
- Why are new developments on the Island required to provide sidewalks and public amenities, but taxpayers are being asked to pay for replacing the Winslow Way sidewalks?
- Does that make MCAS taxpayers pay the bills for other school districts to be able to use the Career & Technical Center?
- How many public pay telephones are on City sidewalks?
