An example of public policy at a local level.
Sidewalks, and walkability in cities in general.
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A proposal to scrap a requirement that developers include a sidewalk when building a new house or pay a fee will wait another week after one of the council members who pitched the measure tagged it on Wednesday.
Thomas, District J Councilmember Edward Pollard and District D Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz put the proposal on the agenda last week, saying it was aimed at eliminating so-called “sidewalks to nowhere” – pathways that do not connect to sidewalks on either end.
Pollard and Evans-Shabazz tagged the measure last week.
The proposal has prompted pushback from disability advocates, who argue sidewalks – even those that do not immediately connect to others – will improve accessibility for residents and encourage more development in those neighborhoods.
The Greater Houston Builders Association supports the idea of eliminating the requirement, saying it would reduce the cost of housing construction.
The existing ordinance applies to the construction of individual houses. The requirements for sidewalk construction in new subdivisions would not change.
Some council members have said there is a possible compromise. Pollard and Evans-Shabazz last week told the Landing the fee paid by developers in lieu of building sidewalks is too high at $12 per square foot. They said they would be open to keeping the current requirement, but with a lower fee.
City Council approved the sidewalk requirement and “in-lieu-of” fee in January 2023.
The money goes to a separate fund to build or repair sidewalks, usually in the same area where the fee was collected. Pollard estimated around $700,000 currently is in the fund, but none has been used, according to the Planning and Development Department.
City Council can take up the proposal next week, delay it for further consideration or could refer it to committee for additional vetting and refinement.
