CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION requesting the Seattle Department of Transportation develop policy options for the maintenance of existing sidewalks, create a public education program on snow and ice removal responsibilities, and develop a program to enforce snow and ice removal requirements by private property owners.
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WHEREAS, The City of Seattle ("City") is committed to investing in improving all modes of transportation; and
WHEREAS, safe places for people to walk and roll are an integral part of our transportation network; and
WHEREAS, most of us are pedestrians at some point during our daily routines, whether crossing a parking lot, rolling to a bus stop, or walking a dog around the block; and
WHEREAS, from toddlerhood to old age, walking and rolling provide a critical link to our communities; and
WHEREAS, our sidewalks should be well-maintained so that everyone can walk and roll safely; and
WHEREAS, in Seattle, private property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, but in practice the City is rarely able to enforce this responsibility; and
WHEREAS, the City budget has very limited funds for sidewalk maintenance, so it will take multiple centuries to address the ~156,000 repair issues that the City is aware of; and
WHEREAS, uneven, obstructed, or ice/snow-covered sidewalks pose extreme mobility challenges to people with disabilities and create tripping hazards - especially for elders; and
WHEREAS, sidewalk repair can be expensive and should not place undue financial strain on low-income families; and
WHEREAS, the City has no method to subsidize the cost of repairing sidewalks for low-income property owners; and
WHEREAS, the City's current policies result in wealthier areas being able to better maintain their sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, all people deserve places to walk and roll safely and with dignity; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
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