Homeowners to pay for sidewalk repair

Two homeowners on Bastogne Court in Belgium have been asked by the village to fix the sidewalk in front of their residences after a woman tripped walking by.

The Village Board last month agreed to give the homeowners four weeks to respond to the village’s request.

If they don’t, then a 20-day notice kicks in. If the sidewalk isn’t repaired by then, the village will do the work and charge the homeowners on their tax bills.

Public Works Director Dan Birenbaum said he learned of the sidewalk issue when a woman contacted the village after she tripped on the pavement. He examined the sidewalk, determined it needed to be fixed and told the homeowners.

“They didn’t agree with me that they had to pay for it,” he said.

He told them that village ordinance says sidewalk repair is the homeowners’ responsibility.

The last time the village sent out notices to fix sidewalks was 2016. Clerk Julie Lesar said the village gave the homeowners eight weeks before the 20-day notice kicked in.

Village Atty. Gerald Antoine suggested doing the two-step process again.

Four weeks, Trustee Josh Borden said, should provide enough time to at least get an estimate for the work.

Providing the four-week notice before the 20-day notice kicks in was approved, 7-0.

The four-week notice expires on Aug. 14.