Proposed Sidewalk on Edison Street Angers Dexter Homeowners

Several Dexter residents left Monday's Village Council meeting discouraged and defeated after the council voted 5-2 on the location of a new sidewalk on Edison Street.

The proposed sidewalk follows the village's engineering standard and would be installed 99 feet from the village's right-of-way. Because Edison Street is much narrower than other streets in the village, residents requested the council set aside the standard and place the sidewalk 60 feet from the right-of-way to avoid it cutting into their property line. Residents cited privacy, safety, aesthetic and economic reasons in their argument. 

The council, however, chose to uphold its engineering standard. Trustees Paul Cousins and Jim Carson were the two dissenting votes.  A motion to place the sidewalk 60 feet from the right-of-way failed 4-3.

"The standard that was developed has not been followed consistently in the last three years. Now we want it done our way. I think that’s wrong. I couldn’t emphasis that enough," Cousins said.

In support for the engineering standard, Trustee Joe Semifero said it maintains a proper distance from the homes, follows the current village ordinance and takes barriers in the landscape, such as trees, into account.

Resident Evelyn Smith said she was under the impression that the engineering standard applies mostly to newer subdivisions.

“My house was moved to the corner of Edison and Fifth streets in 1870. You are applying a standard based on modern-day subdivisions to a street that was once a dirt road," she said.

Carson said he was disappointed in the council's vote.

“There is nothing wrong with satisfying a small group of citizens in our audience within reason. We have to listen," Carson said. "It’s their neighborhood. It’s their street. They are not asking us to do something that will hurt the community or that is unsafe.”

Smith said she was also discouraged by the vote.

“I expect that Washington doesn’t listen. I expect that Lansing doesn’t listen anymore, but I do expect my community to listen. I no longer have trust for my Village Council,” she said.

Village President Shawn Keough said he believes keeping the engineering standard for Edison Street will maintain consistency throughout the village.

“You can’t say we don’t care and are losing our compassion when we’ve all spent a lot of time and thought on this. We will do our very best to work with the residents at the installation process," he said.

Tom Covert, who spoke on behalf of the Edison Street residents, asked the council to detail an appeal process.

“I am very disappointed with this motion. We are arguing the wrong thing. We shouldn’t be arguing about a standard. Maybe we should argue for no sidewalks," he said.

Trustee Ray Tell agreed.

“I understand all the reasons for both sides (of the argument). Maybe we’re better off not putting a sidewalk in," he said.