It seems a bit absurd to say that public sidewalks are well…for the public, yet this will be the discussion at the upcoming City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 9th. Neighborhoods and local business owners worked with Councilmember Jeff Harris to put forth an ordinance to ensure at least four feet of public sidewalk space is left open. As the ordinance states: Allowing for a four-foot obstruction-free area of a sidewalk is imperative for a pedestrian-friendly environment. Also, for businesses: Protecting the sidewalks and entrances to businesses throughout the City will help support businesses and preserve the economic vitality of the City.
Why is such an ordinance necessary? Illegal camping has spilled out onto public sidewalks all around Sacramento. Many folks can no longer safely walk under freeways or near parks to get where they need to go. Business entrances are frequently blocked. Even when citizens nicely ask a camper to please make space for the sidewalk, they are met with anger and threats. Not always, but you can never be sure what you’ll get.
It seems reasonable to ensure our public walkways are safe, clean, and open for public use. Yet, some argue this ordinance isn’t fair to those camping on our sidewalks. They may believe people should just step around or find another route.
Suggesting people simply “step around” campsites on public walkways means you aren’t paying attention to our communities. Maybe an able-bodied person will risk stepping off the curb and walking onto a busy street, but what about others who can’t? For instance, the elderly or those who rely on walkers or wheelchairs? What about the disabled, like our blind population? Do they think of mothers with small children and strollers? A simple act such as walking a public street and visiting local businesses should be easy for everyone. And to be clear, the ordinance only asks for four feet of that space. City sidewalk building requirements are normally a minimum of five to six feet wide.
Neighbors have various opinions on managing the “hot potato” topic of homelessness in our City. This article is not about addressing that. We are simply stating we agree public spaces like sidewalks should be used as they are intended; for all Sacramento citizens to get from one place to another.
UPDATE: As of August 23, 2022 the sidewalk ordinance was approved by all 9 city councilmembers. To review the discussion for this item (Agenda Item #19) here is the video with pubic comment included: https://sacramento.granicus.com/player/clip/5354?view_id=22&redirect=true&h=9a86c938d3b14f5ff5b767abef739af3
To review the full sidewalk ordinance proposal go to; Staff_Report_-_Pass_for_Publication_Ordinance_Amending_Chapter_12.24_of_the_Sacramento_City_Code_Relating_to_Sidewalk_Obstructions_and_Pedestrian_Interfer
The Land Park Community Association supports this ordinance. It isn’t just an issue for one neighborhood or area; it impacts all our communities, businesses, and parks. As people work to raise the quality of life for those on the streets, we must be equally dedicated to maintaining the quality of life for other diverse populations in our city.
If you are interested in joining the LPCA to address public safety issue and other topics of value to our community, please reach out to us at: eboard@landpark.org
Kristina Rogers is a 20-year resident, parent and community volunteer of the Land Park neighborhood. She is also the Vice President and Communications Lead for the LPCA.