Sidewalk installation for Navarre approved

Navarre Avenue between Coy and Lallendorf roads finally will get sidewalks.

Oregon City Council declared a necessity Monday and ordered the sidewalks built along the one-mile stretch on Navarre's north side. The vote was 6-1, with Jerry Peach dissenting.

The issue has had council's attention for years, but it languished until last year when residents of the Fountain Square Apartments, 3119 Navarre, protested sidewalks' absence in the busy commercial corridor.

The building has elderly and disabled residents who have to walk or ride wheelchairs in the street to shop at area stores.

Council members found their case compelling and voiced support for the sidewalks during two committee meetings. The sidewalks also are expected to benefit the business district.

The city estimates the 5-foot sidewalks' construction cost at $112,000, which will be assessed to property owners over 10 years, based on property size. Landowners can have the work done themselves. The city will pay the $24,000 cost of related drainage work.

Council decided to act on its own authority after petition circulators failed to collect the necessary signatures from 51 percent of property owners along the affected stretch of Navarre. From Coy east to Walmart's western property line, 73 percent of property owners signed, but east of Walmart only 44 percent signed the petitions.

Mr. Peach cited that dearth of support as his reason for voting against the sidewalks.

-- Carl Ryan