Prairie Village residents split on new sidewalks

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. - Prairie Village may soon change its plan to install sidewalks on all city streets after some residents recently came out against it.

Lisbeth Lurey lives at the corner of Nall and 69th Terrace. The city is considering a sidewalk through her yard, but she's worried it could damage the roots to three trees.

"We chose this house because we fell in love with the patio and the big beautiful old trees," she explained. "We have since lost two of them in the front yard and we miss them dearly."

Lurey said she isn't opposed to all sidewalks. One runs through the other side of her yard along Nall. She just thinks the city could put its money to better use.

"I would love to see them resurface the streets," Lurey said.

"A lot of our residents want sidewalks; some of them don't," said David Morrison, city council p resident.

Lately, so many people have been against sidewalks that the city may rework its plant to install them along all residential streets.

The city currently builds sidewalks when it completes other street projects, but that could soon change.

Morrison and other council members came up with a plan where the city would send out letter, asking for residents' opinions. If enough of them object, the street would be redone without the sidewalk.

"We'll get their opinion of what they want and give them what they want," said Morrison.

His plan will be heard and possibly voted on 6 p.m. Monday in council chambers.

The city said sidewalks cost $36 per foot, and if it's rejected on one street, the money would go to another project.

Prairie Village pays for 100 percent of the sidewalk, but basic maintenance like snow removal, is up to residents.