Peekskill Offers to Foot Half the Bill for Sidewalk Repairs

Perhaps one of the most visible but unthought-of products of the economic recession plagues streets across America- sidewalks in disrepair. Weeds, flowers and even tree trucks pop through weathered concrete throughout the City of Peekskill, making it difficult to push a stroller down some streets. Hilly streets become engaging obstacle courses for runners who get to hop over limbs and avoid crumbling curbs.

Homeowners struggling with electric bills and mortgages probably have not bothered to worry about their sidewalks. But sidewalks are the homeowner’s responsibility. And the longer you wait to fix them the more of an eyesore and expense they will become.

The City of Peekskill is doing something to help.

The city is implementing a Sidewalk Replacement Program that will provide grant money to eligible residents to help them fix up their sidewalks.

Residents must have a family income that is 80 percent of the Area Medium Income to qualify, have no outstanding taxes, and will be responsible for paying their half of the cost. The AMI for a four person household in Peekskill is $82,500.

The city budgeted $400,000 for the program and awarded N.C.P. Industries Inc. the bid for all of the construction work.

“So residents don’t have to worry about finding a contractor and making sure they have city permits,” Director of City Planning and Development Anthony Ruggiero said.

Some of the $400,000 allocated for the program will go towards curbing in areas that get new sidewalks. The public will not be asked to pay half the cost of curbing, only half the cost of the actual sidewalk repair.

You can submit an application to the Department of City Services by Oct. 14, which is when city planners will begin reviewing the applications. The application is attached to this article. For more details visit the city’s website.