[Source Paul Kashmann, Councilman District 6]
Sidewalk Fee – Initiative 307
Voters approved citizen Initiative 307 – known as Denver Deserves Sidewalks – in November, adding a system of fees to property owners to fund needed repair, widening and installation of missing sidewalks citywide, and requiring DOTI to create a comprehensive plan to achieve those ends as soon as possible.
Many residents have complained that the fee structure as written in the initiative puts undue burden on those with longer frontages, corner lots or property on certain corridor types, and DOTI has made it known that they believe the cost of doing the work as projected in the initiative is seriously underestimated, as is the timeline to get the work done.
Councilman Flynn (District 2) and I (Paul Kashmann-District 6) have been asked to serve on the committee that will guide implementation of Initiative 307. While I believe all property owners should pay the same fee amount – this is a user fee, not a property tax – that is part of the broader discussion that will take place. The Charter requires that Council wait 6 months after passage before tweaking an initiative, and there are also boundaries that should be honored to preserve the intent and substance of the initiative. We’ll look for legal guidance from our city attorneys to navigate those important issues.