LETTER: Sidewalks and their cost were forced on us; now we pay again

To Ozaukee Press:

What a slap in the face to the many residents of Port Washington who fought the valiant fight against new sidewalks that were forced upon us by the city. We attended meetings and voiced our objections, just as did the residents of the bluff area. The city’s mind was made up before these meetings, however, and we not only got our new sidewalks, but a bill to pay for them, as well.  

Many of us paid in the thousands for sidewalks we did not want or even need, and we also received the honor of clearing the snow from them. Now, the city says the bluff residents, as well as those on Thomas Drive and Sunset Road, are “off the hook for sidewalk charges” because the bluff sidewalks “serve the entire community and those who visit.”

I live near a school, so doesn’t my sidewalk, and the sidewalks of my neighbors, serve the community? This is blatantly unfair. The bill for the bluff sidewalks will now be paid by the city. That money comes from the taxes we pay, so residents are again paying for the sidewalks. It is imperative that a fair and equal sidewalk policy and financing plan for all residents be put in place.

Carol Jushka
Port Washington