Title
A Resolution approving the process for a neighborhood initiated enhancement program to add lighting and/or sidewalks to neighborhoods.
Body
Sidewalks and well-lit pedestrian paths provide the opportunity for pedestrians to move about safely throughout their neighborhood and can contribute significantly to an enhanced sense of community and improved quality of life. Throughout the City of Coral Gables, numerous neighborhood streets do not currently have well lit sidewalks or pedestrian ways. Currently, it is estimated that the City has approximately 243 miles of streets and only about 150 miles of sidewalks. While the total cost to complete sidewalks on both sides of all streets throughout the City would cost tens of millions of dollars, it is recognized that a program of this magnitude would need to be a long term continual effort. Additionally, in many cases it may not be practical to add sidewalks and they may not be desired by homeowners. Staff is recommending to move forward with an initial program, within practical limitations, that would provide the opportunity to add sidewalks and/or improved pedestrian lighting in neighborhoods and locations where they are most desired. The City Commission has discussed on numerous occasions that the City should have a process that would facilitate resident initiated efforts to enhance their neighborhood by adding additional pedestrian oriented lighting and/or sidewalks.
The recommended process is as follows:
1. Any property owner may contact the City with a notification that they would like to add sidewalks and/or lighting to their neighborhood.
2. The requesting resident will be provided a program brochure which will describe the overall program in detail. Additionally, staff will provide the resident with a map based ‘location form’ designed to specify the specific streets in which the enhancements are requested.
3. Upon receiving the completed ‘location form’, staff will review and determine if the specifi...
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