NORWICH – As part of an ongoing effort to embellish the city and improve pedestrian safety, members of the Common Council have approved another year of funding for the Sidewalk Replacement and Paint Rebate programs.

Since 2007, city officials have agreed to offer a shared cost incentive to residents who replace sidewalks along their property frontage. Through the program, the cost of materials is picked up by residents and the city covers the remaining cost through in-kind services, providing the labor and equipment needed to carry out the work.

In 2011, nearly 1,000 linear feet of sidewalk was installed at 17 residential properties citywide. According to Mayor Joseph Maiurano, the program has proven to be a successful way of getting residents to comply with the city’s sidewalk ordinance, which mandates that property owners ensure the safety and accessibility of their sidewalks for pedestrians.

“So far, it’s shown to be a great program and it’s worked quite well,” the mayor said, citing the amount of work done in the city, particularly in the city’s fifth ward.

“A lot of people have utilized the program and been able to replace their sidewalks at the cost of the cement ... We’ve reached out to a lot of people and asked them to take advantage of the program,” he added.

Estimated cost to homeowners this year is approximately $22 per linear foot of concrete sidewalk, explained Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer. Though the amount of frontage varies between properties throughout the city, Dreyer said the average tends to range anywhere between 35 and 60 feet.