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Council Member Patrick Mcgee speaks at a city council meeting Monday, August 22, 2016. (CAMILLE FINE | FOR THE POST)

City Council: Ordinance restricting long-term sidewalk closures rejected

Athens City Council members struck down an ordinance Monday night that would’ve restricted long-term sidewalk closures, calling it “burdensome and excessive.”

The ordinance, introduced by Councilman Patrick McGree, D- At Large, would’ve given the city’s service safety director more authority to regulate sidewalk closings. It was struck down in a 4-3 vote by council members. 

Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, said the ordinance put unnecessary burdens on construction companies and limited sidewalk construction.

“I believe it’s burdensome and excessive with the bureaucracy associated with this progress,” Butler said.

McGee defended the ordinance, saying it was only meant to keep construction companies just as accountable as average citizens — and to keep a situation like the West Union Street construction, which took over two years after a fire, from happening again.

“We’re not expecting any kind of punishment on the builder,” McGee said. “We’re just saying ‘you’re just paying what everyone else pays.’”

According to a previous Post report, builders currently pay $5 a day for plastic bags to cover parking meters during construction. The ordinance would ensure payment is received for obstructed meters even when the meters are fenced off or completely removed.

Council members also changed the window people have to appeal a ticket. Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, said people had difficulty making the current three day window due to office closures on weekends.

“The window used to be just three days,” Fahl said. “Now it’s three business days."

Additionally, council members approved the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of West State and Lancaster Streets near the Athens Middle school. Councilwoman Michele Papai, D-3rd Ward, said the project, which would cost $100,974, was worth the cost.

“Anybody who’s had a child go to school there knows how difficult that area is,” Papai said.

Butler said any cost is irrelevant when it comes to safety and added the issue had come up in meetings with various city officials.

“I don’t think the cost is relevant,” Butler said. “I think the safety is paramount.”

Other ordinances passed included allowing street closures and vending for “Bounty on the Bricks,” a fundraiser promoting local food that will take place on Aug. 12.

@leckronebennett

bl646915@ohio.edu

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