Despite a smooth budget process, Somerset Coun. Diane Holmes is calling the amount of money set aside for pedestrians and cyclists in the 2011 budget “laughable.”
When compared to other projects that received significant funding, such as the $55 million that was set aside to connect Alta Vista Drive to Smyth Road, Holmes said there’s “almost no money” for pedestrians.
A pedestrian budget of $150,000 was approved with one sidewalk planned to be repaired on Pihney Street (between Armstrong and Scott streets) said Holmes.
According to the councillor, many sidewalks are currently a safety hazard for pedestrians.
“There are many sidewalks that are cracked and tilted and they’re unsafe for seniors walking,” she said.
In response to whether or not she was satisfied with Watson’s remarks to city council that sidewalks would be fixed in conjunction with roadways work, her answer was short.
“No, of course not.”
Also missing from the budget were funds for the cycling underpass planned for Somerset Street.