Last updated on March 11, 2022
Last month Belleair resident Gail Carrol wrote the town requesting permission to replace the sidewalk in front of her home with concrete pavers. A simple attempt to improve the appearances of their driveways. So simple it was discussed by town commissioners.
It’s things like this that make you go. Hmmm…Belleair Town Manager said, “We don’t want to create risk for people.” “The problem is Americans with Disability Act concerns, trip-and-falls … and continual maintenance nightmare for staff with pavers,” and at a Belleair Town Commission meeting said, ‘Let’s eliminate this hazard, to ensure sidewalks are concrete.’
It seems it is easier for a town manager, commissioners, and elected officials. To tell a narrative that best for them, pass a new town ordinance or deny a variance request. Stopping what may be better for homeowners and making their request near impossible. Rather than trying to resolve the issue.
Concrete is considered easy to maintain, but it does crack and stain with time, requiring the replacement of the concrete slab to eliminate hazards. Concrete slabs can become slippery when wet, especially if they have been treated with a protective sealant. When the Concrete is slippery, shoes cannot grip it, and falls can happen. Pavers do not have as much of an issue with slipperiness as does a concrete slab. Because the pavers are individually placed, you can choose pavers with raised edges to help improve grip
As far as I'm concerned its about appearance. If I had a paver driveway I'm sure I want the flow pf the pavers?
In the meantime, not wanting to create risk for Belleair residents. Belleair commissioners approved payment of $170,868 to Reynolds, Smith & Hills. Simply for planning improvements of the Indian Rocks Road.
Murphy commented concerning the improvements to Indian Rocks Road, saying, “We now have a safe way for pedestrians use the path to get to the parks, ball fields” and best of all saying, “folks to get to both golf courses on sidewalks.” A survey showed that less than 10% of Belleair residents use the parks, the recreation center, and members of either Country club.
Belleair’s concerned about the increased cost for a street project using pavers. Yet see no problem with the increases on the Indian Rocks Road project. For golf carts paths to go where? Why not a golf cart roundabout. By the way, in the past two years, there have been six fatalities involving golf carts in Sumter County at The Villages.
Town Manager JP Murphy said a 2-year-old town ordinance stops homeowners from removing sidewalks and replacing them with pavers. Sidewalks, which are solid, easy to repair, and more stable, prevent trips and falls. He said that water intrusion, tree roots, and other forces raise individual pavers, creating trip hazards.
I have no idea when Belleair did the street improvements on Palmetto Drive? One thing for sure, it’s beautiful. My question is, weren’t slip and falls and water intrusion issues. Discussed before the Palmetto Drive project?
Murphy stated that pavers add to the cost of street improvements and underground utility work. And the dozen or so homes on Palmetto Drive that had pavers for driveways increased the city’s cost for a street project by more than $44,000. Is likely correct. However, pavers will offset the added expense in the resale value of the homes. Which in the long run increases tax revenues?
Gail Carrol said, “Is it possible that a continuous run of pavers across the sidewalk area and continuing to the apron would be more stable than stopping and starting at the sidewalk with pavers on either side?”
She’s correct. Pavers do not have as much of an issue with slipperiness as does a concrete slab.
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