Hamilton, Ohio (WXIX) – The City of Hamilton has identified sidewalks in various neighborhoods that require repairs, and some property owners may receive bills for the work. This initiative is part of a broader $7.6 million investment in paving and roadway improvements.
City officials explained that sidewalk assessments are a standard municipal process. According to Ohio Revised Code 729.01, the responsibility for repairing sidewalks typically falls on the property owner adjacent to the damaged area.
Tabitha Clemmons, who has lived on Vine Street for 36 years, shared her concerns about issues like sewage problems and sinkholes that have caused damage in the past. She believes that if the city’s infrastructure is responsible for the damage, the city should cover the repairs.
“Last summer, something came up from the ground, and they stopped it. Then our basement stopped leaking. So technically, that shouldn’t be our fault. They tore those houses down, and that should be the city’s problem,” Clemmons said.
The city’s public information officer mentioned that homeowners are only responsible for a small portion of the overall project cost, while the city covers the full cost of ADA-compliant curb ramps.
If your sidewalk is marked for repair, you have several options:
- You can perform the repairs yourself following city specifications.
- You can hire an approved contractor to complete the work.
- You can allow the city to handle the repairs and receive an invoice.
Clemmons emphasized that if plumbing issues or water leaks cause the concrete to buckle, that would be her responsibility. However, she believes it is fair only when the issue is not caused by the city.
If the invoice is not paid, the city states that the cost can be added to the property and spread out over five years. The first payment would not be due until February 2027.
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