Marcus Councilperson Robin Jenness Reads Prepared Statement. The ongoing discussion at the council over its wish to clean sidewalks throughout the city continued to directing city clerk Robin Harvey to start the process by sending a letter to select properties on Holmes Street. Each of those properties were sold with attached, recorded covenants to build sidewalks across the front of the property. Some pushback was received by councilpersons. No affected property owner showed at the City Council meeting on Monday November 10. Robin Jenness instead made the following statement:
Council Meeting Statement – Sidewalk Decisions
I want to revisit the two sidewalk decisions we made last month — the Holmes Street project and the broader discussion about new and existing sidewalks.
First, I think it’s important we look at the timing and the financial reality our residents are facing. Property taxes have gone up following the state’s reassessment. Then our community voted to support a new elementary and high school updates through the bond issue, which increased taxes again. Now we’re moving toward a much-needed water treatment plant, and residents will see their water bills rise as well. Our community members are not made of money. We need to be mindful about what we’re asking them to take on right now.
Sidewalks are nice to have — and yes, we already have a great trail — but people are still walking on the streets even where sidewalks exist. Many walk side-by-side, and our sidewalks simply aren’t designed for that. Before adding another expense to homeowners, we should be sure this is solving a real problem and not just creating more frustration.
On Holmes Street, there are some serious concerns. Two lots don’t yet have homes — one sold, one not. It doesn’t make sense to require sidewalks before houses or driveways are even planned. Some property owners weren’t told about sidewalk covenants and have already invested in landscaping and sprinklers, only to now be told to tear that up.
It was also brought to my attention that the Holmes Street sidewalk issue only came up because of the trail. Originally, when the trail was being planned, the City looked at placing it behind the homes and eliminating the need for sidewalks entirely. The only reason that didn’t happen is because the cemeteries agreed to have the trail placed on their side, making construction easier at the time. But if that original plan had gone forward, we’d be facing the exact same situation at the end of the trail — so what’s really changed?
That leads to a bigger question: what was the intent behind enforcing the Holmes Street sidewalk covenant in the first place? It was created before the trail was designed, so what was the purpose — for homeowners to walk back and forth to each other’s houses? The City might have the right to enforce it, but does it make sense to do so right now? I don’t think it does. For that reason, I believe we should rescind the Holmes Street letters and revisit this plan at a later time when it makes more sense and has community support.
As for the second sidewalk issue — the discussion around new and existing sidewalks — I’ve learned from Remsen residents that their City Council only required property owners to fix existing sidewalks, not to install new ones where none existed. Some people complied, others didn’t, and that effort was never fully followed up on. If we’re going to push for existing sidewalk repairs, we need a clear plan and a budget for replacements. Right now, we have neither.
I feel this entire sidewalk discussion needs to be stepped back and fully thought through before we make a mess of the situation. We need a strategy that’s fair, enforceable, and financially realistic — not just another set of demands that frustrate homeowners or divide the community.
There are always residents who want more sidewalks, but I believe the majority do not support this at this time. We owe it to them to be practical, fair, and respectful of their financial realities before moving forward.
Following her statement she moved to rescind the contents of the letter sent to homeowners which was seconded and passed unanimously.
Council had selected a consultant to drive the city and provide feedback on the condition of the sidewalks throughout Marcus. No further action has been taken at this time.