City Officials Weigh Cost of 5K Miles of Sidewalk Repairs

The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services estimates that 40 percent of the city's sidewalks are in need of repair

Los Angeles city officials estimate that nearly 5,000 miles of the city's sidewalks are in need of repair but are conflicted when it comes to whose responsibility it is repair them.

The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services estimates that 40 percent of the city's sidewalks are cracked and said that it will cost around $1.5 billion.

"The sidewalk in front of our house in not even," Melrose Hill resident Amy Klitsner said. "I tripped several weeks ago and actually broke my nose."

Klitsner has lived in the Melrose Hill area for more than a decade and said that cracks and faults are dangerous.

The city has paid out millions of dollars in settements to Angelenos hurt on the city's cracked sidewalks, and in April began repair on 130 sidewalks.

California state law maintains that the homeowner is responsible for the repairs, but LA city says that it is their responsibility.

Councilmembers met Monday to find a way to fix the miles of broken sidewalk throughout the city. 

"From the mayor to city council, to residents, we are all saying collectively that something needs to be done," Councilman Joe Buscaino said.

Officials are proposing a 50-50 solution that offers a split of cost between the city and the property owner.

Part of the proposal includes a loan program so homeowners can borrow money to make the repairs.

"We would love it if the city would pay for half of getting it fixed, better than nothing," Klitsner said. "Paying for all of it would be better."

The committee will meet in two to three months to work out details on the citywide sidewalk repair program.

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