Originally published February 2021.
In my first three months as Supervisor, snow has been a four letter word. Seems not a holiday or weekend goes by without snow accumulating on our roads. In turn, one of the most frequent questions accumulating in my inbox or voicemails is “Why aren’t Township sidewalks being maintained and cleared of snow?!” So I want to focus on our Township Safety Path Program, why we don’t have sidewalks and the benefits safety paths provide even though they’re covered in snow during the winter season.
Over 20 years ago, before I was an elected official, I was a resident directly affected by the new concept of safety paths because my front yard touches one of the initial paths constructed. I attended the public meetings and open houses held by the township to provide information to the community and receive feedback. The lesson learned at those meetings was that safety paths are not sidewalks. Sidewalks would have required risk to homeowners with unexpected maintenance costs and the liability of a lawsuit should someone injure themselves on the sidewalks along their property, such as slipping on ice after a large snowfall.
After addressing the concerns of the residents, the township moved forward with a safety path option that passed on the first try. The program has grown into a wonderful addition to the community. These seasonal paths, currently totaling 72 miles, provide pedestrians, joggers and bikers a safe passage to schools, shopping and other points of interest. They’re a fabulous way to explore the beauty of Bloomfield Township.
The initial program has grown and the Engineering and Environmental Services Department maintains a master plan for the program. While we do receive initial complaints from residents directly impacted by proposed paths along their property lines, we usually get their support for the program once the residents realize they do not have legal risk or monetary burdens. Bloomfield Township is responsible for the paths maintenance in the spring, summer and fall. No additional cost falls on the homeowner for construction and the resident is not held liable to injuries on the paths, making them a reward without a risk to the community.
So, when residents ask, “Why are township sidewalks not being maintained and cleared of snow?!” They’re really asking why our safety paths are not being cleared. Taxpayers would technically bear the burden of paying for any lawsuits against the township due to a winter related accident on the paths and this cost in now avoided. Additionally, in 2014, the Township received cost estimates up to $500,000 in labor and resources needed to maintain the safety paths during an average winter. Those prices would be significantly higher 7 years later in 2021.
As a resident who has a safety path in my front yard, I don’t mind giving up some privacy for the path and am happy that the community can enjoy them three seasons a year without additional legal risk to me or other neighbors along the 72 miles of paths. As Supervisor, I am happy to continue to support building more miles of safety paths every year so even more neighbors can enjoy them.
The Township is fortunate to have these Safety Paths. I hope this article clarifies why the township chose safety paths over sidewalks and why those paths are not cleared in winter by residents or the Township. That said, I am excited for the warmer weather of spring and to see residents enjoying the paths.
On the subject of winter, I encourage you to view the latest Bloomfield in Focus featuring Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent, Pat Watson, in my 2021 Winter Update. We discuss the relationship between township government and schools as well as the recent bond that was passed.
Stay warm and think spring.
Dani Walsh, Bloomfield Township Supervisor