Put in the sidewalks
Editorial

The Greencastle Borough Council has been agonizing for months on whether to enforce its sidewalk ordinance.

The issue is not that complicated. Twenty years ago the city leaders decided that whenever a street was repaved or reconstructed, corresponding property owners had to install, repair or replace faulty sidewalk. They were allowed a two-year window to complete the work.

The ordinance was a good idea 20 years ago and it is a good idea today. The primary reason is pedestrian safety.

Each time a street is improved, council hears from unhappy constituents. Currently, Allison and Baltimore Streets and Williamson Avenue are affected by the ordinance. The Williamson residents want exclusion.

Some say no one walks along the road. But they do. We have seen young couples pushing baby strollers, elderly citizens, teenagers and shoppers from Rite Aid and Sunnyway. Some people likely avoid Williamson, although it would be a handy route to their destination, because they are observing a rule their mamas always taught them. Don't walk on people's lawns. And don't walk in the street.¿

While the boulevards belong to the borough, they are covered with grass and hence appear to be the property of the homeowners. The polite walkers don't want to trespass. And they don't want to be hit by cars.

Citizens contend the expense of installing sidewalks is not the issue. Of course it is. But for the greater good, and for the privilege of living in a beautiful, progressive, gracious community, it is necessary.

Communities that want to retain their senior populations are adopting the 'Smart Growth¿' philosophy, which includes providing pedestrian-friendly walkways. As people age, they want to remain mobile and walking is one of the best methods. People of all ages walk for economical and health reasons, as well.

Since Antrim Township requires sidewalks in developments that abut the borough, it's a matter of when, not if, any dead-end sidewalks in Greencastle continue past the borough line.

The council doesn't need to hire outside agencies to study the issue. Sidewalks are a good thing. Payment plans can be worked out, topography solutions can be found. This falls short of rocket science.

A good ordinance should not be ditched because people complain about the cost. If that were the ruling factor, hmm, we can think of a significant number of taxes that should be eliminated.