SEQUIM — If a sidewalk in a new development will become the city’s eventual responsibility, it should be built with concrete, City Council members said Wednesday.
The council took no formal action at Wednesday’s work session. The agreement was on which direction policy should be headed and capped off a discussion spurred by Councilman Don Hall’s insistent questioning of individual development plans brought before the council.
On Wednesday, he noted several new Sequim developments, some of which installed concrete sidewalks and some with asphalt sidewalks.
Sequim regulations don’t specify which material must be used — only that paving must be installed.
Hall’s concern is that asphalt, while less expensive to the developer, requires more maintenance over the years.
On sidewalks dedicated to the city, that cost would come out of public coffers.
Other council members agreed with Hall’s concern. It was acknowledged that some local asphalt sidewalks appear to be well-built and will last a while, but others are not holding up.
“It’s a good point,” said Mayor Pro Tem John Beitzel.
“You can walk down the Olympic Discovery Trail near Keeler Road and see it’s breaking up.”
