IN SEARCH OF 'WALKABLE COMMUNITIES'

JACKSON, Mo. -- A current trend in urban design is an approach called "walkable communities." It means building and redesigning cities that make it easier for people to walk or bicycle -- in short, making cities more people friendly.

In this philosophy, sidewalks are viewed as one key ingredient.

In Jackson, sidewalks primarily exist only in proximity to the downtown. At some point, the city stopped requiring them except possibly near a school. But proposed revisions to the city's Land Subdivision Regulations include a requirement for sidewalks in all future subdivisions built in the city.

At this point, the city staff and the Board of Aldermen appear divided on the issue.

Two proponents of the proposal are Public Works Director Jim Roach and Planning and Zoning Official Rodney Bollinger. Concerns about imposing the requirement to build sidewalks -- primarily cost and doubts about how much they will be used -- are minor, they contend.

"We're looking at the big picture," Roach says.

They cite the improved safety of pedestrians using sidewalks instead of streets.

Sidewalks also serve as a means of tying a community together, they say.

"It encourages people to be part of the community and to walk at a time when we have concerns about people driving too fast and too much traffic," Roach says.

"... Most progressive communities are going back to sidewalks."

Roach and Bollinger attended a workshop on walkable communities presented by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

"Well-designed, healthy neighborhood streets keep motorist speeds to 15-20 mph, provide on-street parking, sidewalks, shade and other amenities," he Missouri Walkable Communities Training Course asserts. "...The combined effects of these designs provide an ideal environment encouraging walking, bicycling and a sense of community."

MoDOT doesn't advocate on behalf of walkable communities, says assistant state design engineer Sam Masters. "We are not in a position to tell cities what they should or shouldn't do with their own roadways."

But, Masters said, a relatively new MoDOT policy outlines five situations in which MoDOT will build sidewalks. Among them are evidence that pedestrians are using the roadway or a path alongside the road, and if the local jurisdiction has a policy providing sidewalks.

Previously, MoDOT didn't build sidewalks, only replaced existing ones, but attitudes have changed, Masters said.

"Bicycles and pedestrians are recognized as legitimate transportation modes... As a transportation agency we need to recognize that and support that, particularly if it's a community value. We have changed our philosophy. In one sense, we are promoting the use of non-motored transportation."

In 1997, Cape Girardeau began requiring sidewalks in new subdivisions with lots smaller than 3 acres. But additions to existing subdivisions are not subject to the requirement.

Jackson City Administrator Steve Wilson doesn't have a strong opinion about sidewalks either way, but says, "There is a consensus that in high-density areas we need to keep people out of the street."

Assistant City Administrator Larry Koenig has reservations about requiring sidewalks. "I haven't been sold on that idea yet," he says.

He agrees that sidewalks should be required in school areas for safety and possibly in high-density areas.

Alderman Joe Bob Baker is leaning away from imposing a requirement for sidewalks. "It's another additional cost to the consumer," he said.

The streets in his own neighborhood are wide enough for people to walk in, Baker said.

"I wouldn't want a sidewalk in front of my house. If it breaks up in time, it would be my expense to take care of it. It would be my job to clean it off."

Baker does support putting sidewalks in neighborhoods near schools. "But it shouldn't be required for all subdivisions," he said.

Gerry Stoverink, a Jackson developer, has mixed emotions about the city requiring sidewalks.

"It's nice and good for people who want to take walks. But I don't like the government making people do something," he said.

Only one buyer has ever asked about sidewalks, he added.

Ultimately, the cost of the sidewalk would be passed on to the person buying the house. "To me it's not a big issue one way or another," Stoverink said.

He estimates the additional cost at $300-500 per lot. The city's estimate is about $400 for a standard lot.

A public hearing on the proposed subdivision regulations will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. before the Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission also is considering new stormwater regulations among others.

Developers and engineers will be invited to the hearing. Chairwoman Barbara Lohr said the commissioners have not discussed their thinking about the sidewalk regulation yet. "We always want to hear from the public first," she said.

If the city is uncertain about how important sidewalks are, Stoverink says, a public survey might be in order. "I think they might be surprised at the results," he said.

Roach and Bollinger say it's possible the city ultimately will take a middle-of-the-road approach, requiring sidewalks only in high-density neighborhoods.

Sidewalks "interconnect people's houses." Roach says. Not having sidewalks "isolates people from each other."