1. Why
did the Town begin this program?
Sidewalks are a very important means of travel for our residents, especially
children and senior citizens. The Town began this program in order the accomplish
three primary goals: 1) improve our defective sidewalks and ensure that our
walkways remain safe for all our residents, 2) provide a low-cost and convenient
sidewalk repair option to Flower Mound homeowners, and 3) maintain property
values throughout the Town.
2. I thought
the Town took care of sidewalks. Why do I have to pay for
it?
Sidewalks in Flower Mound are the responsibility of the property owner. Cities
throughout Texas handle sidewalk maintenance differently. Like many other cities,
the Town maintains sidewalks adjacent to arterial or collector streets, adjacent
to public property, all park trails, and handicap ramps on public streets.
The Town does not maintain sidewalks adjacent to private property. Early in
Flower Mound’s history, Town leaders made a policy decision to not incur
the cost of sidewalk repair and replacement adjacent to private property. This
decision allows the Town to commit more of our limited funds to road building,
expansion and maintenance.
3. Is the
Town making money off of this program?
No. The Town is requesting only the cost of the sidewalk repair. We do not
make any profit from this program.
4. Why is
it cheaper to participate with the Town rather than hiring
my own contractor?
The Town purchases concrete in large volumes through a competitive bidding
process. As a result, the cost is likely to be significantly less than hiring
a concrete contractor independently for a relatively small, one-time job.
5. What happens if I don’t repair my sidewalk?
Code enforcement officers will issue notices to those who have not participated
in the program or have not completed their sidewalk repair independently. The
Town will then hire contractors on a case-by-case basis to repair the sidewalks.
Once the repair has been completed, the homeowner has 30 days to pay the bill
or a lien for the cost of the repair, plus administrative cost, is attached
to the property. This will result in higher costs to the homeowner, as the
concrete work is hired independently of the program and administrative costs
are added to the total.
6. Who do I contact for
more information?
Bart Stevenson, Exec. Director of Community Services
bart.stevenson@flower-mound.com
972.874.6005
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