The Independence City Commission considers a change to city policy on sidewalks.
At Thursday night's meeting, commissioners discussed a citizen complaint about a broken sidewalk in the 400 block of South Penn Avenue. The complaint came from a resident who uses a motorized scooter and had an accident while driving on the sidewalk, claiming that the route was not in compliance with the American s with Disabilities Act. City policy has long been that homeowners are responsible for the repair of the sidewalk in front of their homes. However, the City recommended the condemnation of non-compliant sidewalks with the City providing a cost-share initiative in which the City would cover 50% of the cost. Commissioner Scott Smith says he has no problem with changing the city's policy.
Mayor Dean Hayse says the City should proceed with caution due to the issue of unforeseen consequences.
The commission tabled the issue until the May 14th meeting.
