Think no one walks in L.A.? Maybe it’s because nearly half of our 10,000-plus miles of sidewalks are in some state of serious disrepair. According to the Bureau of Street Services, fixing said sidewalks costs over $260,000 per mile. Tackling all 4600 miles of the cracked and root-infested walkways would exceed $1.2 billion. Under current law, the city is responsible for fixing our concrete paths. But there’s no money left in the General Fund to do it. So who should pay for the repairs? Councilman Bernard Parks has floated a plan that would require homeowners to foot the bill. Councilman Paul Koretz doesn’t think this is the right approach. As city officials duke it out, our infrastructure continues to crumble and the city has to cough up between three and four million dollars a year to cover law suits resulting from sidewalk accidents. And how about those potholes? Mayor Villaraigosa loves to tout his pothole filling program, but many L.A. streets continue to go months without large holes being filled. Why is it so hard for L.A. to keep up with street and sidewalk maintenance as neighboring smaller cities do? How does the city intend to pay for these much-needed repairs? Strap on your best urban foot gear or buckle your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Guests:
Bernard Parks, Los Angeles City Councilman representing District 8 in South Los Angeles
Paul Koretz, Los Angeles City Councilman representing District 5 in West Los Angeles