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Council approves sidewalk on Quito despite objections
By Steve Enders
What should have been a simple plan to build a sidewalk on busy Quito Road became something of an ugly fight last week, as neighbors saw cracks in the city's proposal and nearly swept it right out of City Hall.
The sidewalk, which was ultimately approved 3-1 with Stan Bogosian dissenting--Evan Baker was absent--will be installed on the west side of Quito Road between Sousa Lane and Cox Avenue, complementing the tree-lined sidewalk across the street.
In its corner, the city had the results of a poll taken in June that showed 13 of 19 neighbors along the route supporting the project, which is set to receive a grant of $36,778 from the Transportation Development Act.
But many of the people who live on the west side of Quito thought that one sidewalk was more than enough for the street, though it bustles with traffic and many drivers exceed the posted 35 mph speed limit.
The sidewalk, some neighbors argued, would bring people uncomfortably and unnecessarily close to their homes and ruin whatever rural feel is left on the street, which still shows some vestiges of the old orchards.
Quito resident Pete Harnack argued that one sidewalk on the street is enough.
"A sidewalk exists on the south side that bumps up against the rear of the houses there. Pedestrians can very safely walk on that side of Quito Road on a sidewalk that is well lit," he said. "The problem isn't walking, it's speeding drivers."
Other neighbors raised the question of liability, and wondered whether the sidewalks would be placed on their property.
The city assured the residents that they will not be held liable for any injury that occurs to someone walking down the street, unless the resident is directly at fault. Additionally, City Manager Larry Perlin said the sidewalks would be built along the public right-of-way, and a surveyor will make sure of it.
"The goal of trying to have sidewalks installed on the city's arterial streets is a long-standing policy written into the general plan," Perlin said, adding that Quito Road was named a priority a long time ago.
Other projects to come before the city in the future include sidewalks on Allendale and Cox avenues.
Mayor Jim Shaw said he was surprised by the debate over such a seemingly simple issue. "We have a general plan that says we'd like sidewalks on our arterial streets. I'm having a problem understanding," he said. "This is a no-brainer approval to put a sidewalk on Quito."
Councilman Stan Bogosian, however, said he was opposed to the sidewalk project for many of the same reasons the neighbors were, and because the same general plan that calls for sidewalks also calls for leaving some open space throughout the city.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
