Sidewalks have become a topic of debate in one corner of Milford.
The city wants to install new sidewalks, but some are worried about the ongoing upkeep tied to the pavement.
Sidewalks are hard to come by on Milford's New Street. City councilman Todd Culotta said council wants to change that.
"The city would like to see sidewalks in those areas which would help with the re-opening of the Milford Middle School," he said, noting how the under-renovation middle school is just around the corner.
However, installing new sidewalks means new responsibilities for homeowners. Some in the neighborhood don't want the added obligation.
Jenn Miller who lives on New Street said she has sent multiple emails to city officials urging them to reconsider.
In the emails Miller said there has not been a formal study showing why sidewalks are needed, and stressed her desire for more public input opportunities.
Miller also said, "There are several areas in and around the City of Milford where the Milford School District has requested sidewalks be installed so that children can walk safely to school." She suggests the city consider installing sidewalks in other locations before bringing them to New Street.
Others living on the block said they'd be happy to see some fresh pavement.
"I really think that sidewalks would be helpful," Faith Gonzalez shared.
Holly Heverly agreed, saying, "I personally would like to see sidewalks."
While Michelle Robbins believes it would increase safety for those who are constantly walking and biking past her home.
Milford City Council is struggling to come up with a solution that would satisfy everyone. Councilman Culotta suggested changing the sidewalk code altogether.
"If we want to do things like this and go around saying 'it'd be nice to have a sidewalk here' the city should be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the sidewalks," he said. "Then we can put them where we want, when we want but it's not fair to the taxpayer to say we want a sidewalk and you have to pay to upkeep it."
Milford Mayor Archie Campbell said he would prefer to keep the sidewalk code as is.
Milford's city engineer suggested installing sidewalks where people want them and skipping over areas where people don't. Many councilmembers said that would be counter-productive.
In the end, city council has the final say. The topic of sidewalks has not yet been listed on future council agendas.