We do need to improve and maintain the existing sidewalks and in the absence of any better plan, I support what the committee came up with because the sidewalks are a public asset where they currently exist, and I don't mind paying the small fee to improve and expand them where they are wanted. I don't think though that they should be forced on existing owners of residences, but would accept the city paying for their installation where the city is willing to use the fee or other funds to pay for them. Many folks, like myself, could not afford them and I don't see a need for them here on 15th street unless city growth causes an increase in traffic. If we want to protect everyone's school age children on the main arteries to school, then I think everyone should pay for them.

When I asked Chief Lohner whether there was a known safety issue where people had been hurt for the lack of sidewalks, I think he said it hadn't been an issue so far.

I would like to see how the implementation of the plan proceeds, so that people will have a better idea how it affects them. I do hope they are reasonable and not heavy handed. We could have fixed a bunch of sidewalks for the price of the new police building.

Chris

I would hope the folks in Baker City wouldn't take their sidewalks for granted. They are important. I believe a city is defined by whether or not it has sidewalks. I think this is the same argument for having to pay school taxes when you have no childeren in school. It is a community thing. I think the City went to great _link_s this winter to ensure those who could not plow were taken care of. Paying for sidewalks is a way to pitch in and be a part of the community; it is a way to help your City when it cannot do everything on it's own.