An Indianola Main Street homeowner may be on the hook for the sidewalk that was busted when his driveway was built over a year ago.
City Inspector Jamal Mayfield said during this past Monday night’s meeting that the homeowner installed his driveway without first obtaining a permit from the city.
The sidewalk was originally installed as a part of a grant and must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The driveway cut into the sidewalk, causing a steep dropoff on both sides and making it impassable for baby strollers and wheelchairs.
The Enterprise-Tocsin has opted to not identify the homeowner, who is located in the 600 block of Main, at this time.
City Engineer Ron Cassada said that he spoke to the property owner last year, and the owner was adamant that the city should pay for the repair.
“He wants y’all to do it,” Cassada said. “You do not need to pay for it without charging him.”
Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi suggested that the city make an “emergency” repair and then send the homeowner the bill.
Former mayor Steve Rosenthal spoke from the audience.
“Legally, it’s got to go through adjudication process and be added to the taxes,” he said. “You can fix it, but you’ll never collect it if you don’t go through the adjudication process.”
Cassada said that because the damage to the sidewalk is so extensive, there may need to be other work besides just the replacement.
“It may need a retaining wall,” Cassada said.
Fratesi asked Mayfield to begin the adjudication process immediately so that it may be addressed at the city’s next meeting.
