Share and Follow
Homeowners in Nebraska are expressing frustration and confusion after receiving unexpected bills as high as $1,700 for repairing public sidewalks that they neither damaged nor are situated directly in front of their properties.
In a neighborhood in Omaha, locals were instructed to fix walkways positioned behind their homes, as well as sections of the path leading to what has been dubbed the “sidewalk to nowhere,” according to a report by WOWT-TV.
Omaha’s local regulations stipulate that property owners must address unsafe sidewalks, with the option to carry out the repairs themselves or hire a contractor. However, residents highlight that they are not tasked with other maintenance duties like mowing grass or clearing snow.
“We’re not responsible for snow removal and mowing, so why should we be accountable for sidewalk maintenance, especially since it’s beyond the area maintained by the Homeowner’s Association?” questioned resident Stephanie Bolli.
The exorbitant repair quotes have further fueled the homeowners’ discontent.
Grant Kitchen was billed $1,687.56 to get the hazardous panels replaced.
He was hit with the bill – even though some of the panels at the end of the sidewalk were not really walked on, and led to shrubbery.
“We’re fixing something first off we didn’t break, and second off is not usable by anyone who wants to use it,” he said.
This was echoed by Jim Frick, also billed $800, who said, “This is definitely unfairness.”
Meanwhile, Diane Briggs, a Hillsborough Association of Landowners spokesperson, told WOWT “no determination” regarding costs has been made.
HOA officials are reviewing the situation promptly, she said.
Sidewalk disputes have been a long-standing source of contention between Omaha residents and city officials.
Last year, Dean Wilson was billed $700 to repair damages to sidewalk panels located around the corner from his home, WOWT reported.
He disputed the quote, claiming it wasn’t his responsibility to fix them.
“It’s outside the white fence that’s a perimeter for the entire neighborhood, so it doesn’t make sense that this sidewalk is my responsibility,” he said.
Wilson’s homeowner association agreed to cover the costs on his behalf.