To the editor:

Sidewalk repairs are back in the headlines! Despite all the letters, hearings and discussion, some important issues seem to remain obscure. Many have pointed out discrepancies like exist in our neighborhood, where half our neighbors have walks to clear and maintain and half do not. Neighborhoods developed early post-World War II generally have no sidewalks at all. Older neighborhoods, especially east and north of downtown, have sidewalks on both sides, aged and menaced by mature trees. Thus the lowest income areas of Lawrence will bear by far the largest share of the needed and mandated repairs.

Surely Lawrence can do better. Commissioner Courtney Shipley’s plan for “insurance” merits serious consideration, but if fees are “…based on the amount of concrete around the property….” the same inequities (injustices?) will be perpetuated.

Paul Enos,

Lawrence