Homeowners in Omaha, Nebraska, were hit with a bill to repair a public sidewalk located behind their home.
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According to the New York Post, one resident was charged nearly $1,700 for repairs. The residents argue they didn't cause the damage to the walkway and are frustrated because the sidewalk isn't even in front of their properties, questioning why they are being held responsible.
Why Are Residents Being Charged With Sidewalk Repairs?
In Omaha, property owners are responsible for repairing unsafe sidewalks under the city's municipal code. They can either do the work themselves or hire a contractor.
However, homeowners note that, unlike sidewalk repairs, they are not responsible for other tasks, such as mowing overgrown grass or removing snow.
Resident Stephanie Bolli questioned, "We're not responsible for snow removal and mowing, so why are we responsible for sidewalk maintenance, especially since the sidewalk is beyond the area the Homeowner's Association mows?"
Bolli's neighbor, Grant Kitchen, was billed $1,687.56 to repair the sidewalk panels. Kitchen points out that some panels weren't even used, resulting in overgrowth. He wonders why homeowners must pay for repairing unused sidewalks.
"We're fixing something first off, we didn't break, and second off, it's not usable by anyone who wants to use it," he said.
Another neighbor, who received an $800 bill, said repairing the sidewalk is "definitely unfairness."
Homeowner Associations Are Stepping In
A spokesperson for the Hillsborough Association of Landowners, Diane Briggs, said that "no determination" regarding costs has been made. Officials are taking a look at the situation.
The dispute between Omaha residents and city officials over sidewalk repair costs has been ongoing for years.
Dean Wilson received a $700 bill for repairs to sidewalk panels around the corner from his home last year. He disputed the charge, saying it wasn't his responsibility to fix them. His HOA agreed to cover the sidewalk repair costs on his behalf.
He added, "It's outside the white fence that's a perimeter for the entire neighborhood, so it doesn't make sense that this sidewalk is my responsibility."
