I am glad the sidewalk is being repaired, with 2 concrete squares removed and new ones poured, to even out the walk. However, I am not glad that I am paying for it!
Sidewalks, to me, are one of those things that a city or county should maintain, and not a property owner, but not according to Ventura County. I received a letter from Ventura County in September that a contractor they hired would be coming to repair the walkways, and I had a choice of doing it myself or paying to have their contractor do it. I chose their contractor and paid the invoice that came with the letter.
What I don’t understand is that the county letter said the contractor would be repairing sidewalks throughout Oak Park. Yet, the only sidwalks I see marked up like in the photo, are on my street, and not elsewhere in the neighborhood. It is one of those things that makes you go, “Hmmmmm….”
Just for fun, here is a hit from 1946, Cement Mixer, by the Alvino Rey Orchestra.
Barbara Schwartz // Oct 24, 2012 at 9:38 AM
We have about three such repairs on our street’s sidewalks this week. Your sidewalk section looks fine. It must be raised up.
Eco-nerd // Oct 24, 2012 at 10:23 AM
You are not alone. Many, many of these squares have been earmarked for homeowner repairs.
I have lots of questions regarding these repair bills. Is the homeowner responsible for damages done by county planted trees with invasive roots? If the infastructure is in need of repair, is the homeowner responsible for damages incurred by aging pipes and sewers? If my HOA went crazy and planted dozens of trees in an area too small for trees, adjacent to my property, will I be responsible for repairs when that sidewalk begins to crack?
If it is my responsibility to maintain public thoroughfares that I have no control over, I would rather not have sidewalks at all.