Do We Need More Sidewalks?

In our Feb. 2004 newsletter, we called for additional input from the neighborhood and we got some responses back in support the need for sidewalks in some areas, most notably in the Jack Fisher Park Area. What do you think? Do we need more sidewalks or should we be doing everything we possibly can to preserve the rural traditions of the San Tomas Neighborhood?

I don't believe that we need sidewalks, what is needed is a safe walking area. Putting sidewalks in would seriously reduce the atmosphere of the area, narrow Abbot further as well as create unnecessary expense for the property owners, expecially those with very long frontage some of whom exceed 100 ft.

I agree that it would be helpful to provide a safe place to walk, not necessarily pouring concrete everywhere. Some paths that are parallel to streets are overgrown with shrubs, or huge puddles swell during the rainy season. This overgrowth and flooding causes the pedestrian to walk further out into the street. Our lack of sidewalks on the various streets gives Campbell an identity.

On the other hand...residents who do not have sidewalks in front of their house have known for years that they may have to contribute to the cost of sidewalks when and if they were eventually poured. I wouldn't call the cost "unnecessary" when it comes to an issue of safety.

Cost when shared is not a bad thing. The logical location for a walking area is on the West side of Abbott, this would minimize the number of times anyone would hae to cross this street. I've heard numbers in the range of $200/linear foot for sidewalks. This is excessive to the extreme. I've gotten estimates from cement contractors that are a fraction of this cost. Just think about it.