Sidewalk Repairs to Start on Hamilton Ave.

The money meant to help Hamilton catch-up on sidewalk repairs will start with work on the sidewalks along Hamilton Avenue.

In May, in addition to the annual Department of Public Works budget. The money is designed to help make improvements to existing sidewalks that are cracking and crumbling, according to Town Manager Michael Lombardo.  He said he plans to continue with the program annually until repairs are caught up.

Selectmen made the decision last week to look at the condition of the sidewalks in the area.

“I think it will beautify that street and people can see what it will look like,” said Selectman Jennifer Scuteri.

Hamilton Avenue is a residential side street that runs between Willow Street and Union Street and continues northwest to connect to Cottage and North streets. It is about a third of a mile long.

Selectmen also said that the Hamilton Avenue sidewalk should be 42 inches wide, slightly narrower than the 48 width that is more common on other streets. Based on an estimate of $15 per foot to repair sidewalks that are 48 inches wide, the work on Hamilton Avenue would cost about $20-$25,000.

“This (a 42-inch wide sidewalk) will stretch the dollar a little bit more,” Lombardo said.

In making the decision, Selectmen had to decide which sidewalks it considers a top priority. When Selectmen heard a presentation earlier this summer from Director John Tomasz outlining problems with sidewalks in town, he used the condition of Hamilton Avenue sidewalks as an example.