Peabody Wrestles With Backlog Of Sidewalks In Need Of Repair

PEABODY, MA -- In Peabody, it's not uncommon for a resident to wait five or more years after calling the city to complain about a sidewalk that needs repair. in addition to roots from trees that cause sidewalks to buckle, this can be a particularly busy time of year for the Department of Public Works as residents get out for walks and assess the winter's damage.

The city wants you to know that they're not ignoring your request. But fixing sidewalks takes time and, more importantly money. Of the $250,000 budgeted for sidewalk repairs in the current fiscal year, there was $1,956.61 remaining as of Thursday afternoon, according to Director of the Department of Public Services Dave Terenzoni.

"With over 300 miles of sidewalks across the city, there is indeed a backlog of sidewalk repair / replacement requests. City work crews and contractors have repaired or replaced nearly 600 sidewalks during the last three years alone," Terenzoni said. "Residents should continue to report sidewalks in need of repair or replacement to the Department of Public Services which will continue to address as many requests as possible."

Compounding the long wait times is that fixing sidewalks isn;t a first come, first served proposition. Terenzoni said his department prioritizes requests from residents with disabilities, public safety hazards on the city’s heaviest trafficked sidewalks, and sidewalks near schools.

In other words, hurry up and wait while you watch your step.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).