FARMINGTON, CT — Bringing all of Farmington's existing sidewalks up to current town standards could cost about $18 million, according to a committee studying whether the town should change how it handles sidewalk repairs.
Farmington Town Manager Kathy Blonski presented the Ad Hoc Sidewalk Committee's findings to the Farmington Town Council during its Sept. 8 meeting.
The committee reviewed Farmington's sidewalk ordinance, existing practices, sidewalk conditions, policies in surrounding municipalities, costs, and potential funding sources.
Under Farmington's existing ordinance, adjoining property owners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance and repairs, as well as snow and ice removal.
The committee found that approach is generally consistent with surrounding municipalities.
The town has historically enforced routine sidewalk repair requirements sparingly, according to the report, while continuing to enforce requirements for snow and ice removal.
As part of its work, the committee reviewed approximately 48 miles of sidewalks and conducted a preliminary assessment of their condition.
About 89% were rated between A and C, while approximately 11% received D or F ratings.
The estimated cost of repairing all existing sidewalks to current town standards is approximately $18 million.
The committee also examined situations in which Farmington has paid for or participated in sidewalk projects.
Those have generally involved grants, other public projects, accessibility needs or requirements associated with particular developments rather than a townwide sidewalk repair program.
The Meadow Road sidewalk was identified as the first new town-funded sidewalk approved in approximately 25 years.
The committee stopped short of recommending that Farmington assume broader responsibility for sidewalk repairs.
Instead, members concluded that any expansion of the town's role should take into account the public benefit, availability of outside funding, community priorities, and residents' willingness to support the costs.
The committee recommended pausing its meetings until Farmington completes its townwide community survey.
The survey is expected to gather broader public input on repairing existing sidewalks, constructing new ones, and potentially using municipal funding for that work.
The committee plans to reconvene in early 2027 to review the survey results and develop final recommendations for the town council.
For the minutes of the Sep. 8 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.
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