Those folks looking at the ground aren’t searching for the first blooms of the season. They’re staring in disbelief at their sidewalk slabs and trying to figure out why the city is worried about cracked sidewalk slabs when the neighborhood streets are falling apart. South-of-Bluemound residents got notices last week that some or all of the sidewalks in front of their houses need replacing and the city will charge them for the service. Lots of folks are very unhappy. Note to Ald. Michael Murphy and the Department of Public Works: expect more calls.
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Speaking of crappy roads — Ellen P. is circulating for a petition seeking the long-overdue repair of Gen. Mitchell Blvd. where it poses a threat to safety. The city filled pothole craters a month or two ago (even though it is a county responsibility) but those patches are coming out. Somebody is going to get hurt on this road and county officials are well aware of the hazard. It’s simply inexcuseable.
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The Story Hill Neighborhood Association is sponsoring a local Pitch, Hit and Run competition at 9 a.m. May 16th at Mitchell Blvd Park (5115 W. Bluemound Rd.). The event is open to girls and boys from age 7 to 14. It is completely free of charge. Winners advance to sectional competitions, then team championships at Miller Park and finally to the national finals in St. Louis. The finals will be held during the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Please contact Pete Schmidt (check your neighborhood directory) with any questions or concerns.
More information about the competition is here.
It has come to my attention that the city is now focused on repairing damaged sidewalks caused by the roots of Norway Maples. The maple in front of my house was removed because of insect damage. The Maple’s roots caused heavy damage to the sidewalk in front of our house. The tree was removed and a less invasive Lilac Tree was planted. In repairing these sidewalks I wonder how much damage is going to be done to roots. I also question why the homeowner is being charged for sidewalk repair when the roots of the tree planted by the city caused the damage. If the trees are not removed the damage to the sidewalk could occur once again. The City of Newton considers the Norway Maple a pariah now and includes this species as invasive. “Their shallow roots break sidewalks, raise sidewalk labs, creating non-even walking surfaces, and push out curbstones.” Please click on the link below for further information. I would like to suggest that the neighborhood along with the Forestry Department and Ald. Michael Murphy have a discussion on this issue.
http://ci.newton.ma.us/trees/072004.htm