A Sartell resident urged the Sartell City Council to expedite, if possible, plans for a sidewalk along the south side of 2nd Street.
At its last meeting, during its Open Forum session, the council heard from resident Kim Pettman, who lives in the David E. Day Apartments on the south side of 2nd Street just east of the gas station-convenience store of Rolling Green Plaza. Pettman lives in those apartments, which are specially equipped for people with physical disabilities. Pettman said some residents in the 16-unit facility have trouble getting to the bus stop due to the lack of a sidewalk. Having to use walking aids, some residents have a struggle without access to a sidewalk, Pettman noted.
During Open Forum sessions at council meetings, residents can voice concerns for up to three minutes, but the council cannot comment on those concerns at that particular meeting since the topics are not on that evening’s agenda for action by the council. Council members do take comments into consideration, however, for possible discussion at subsequent meetings.
The City of Sartell was granted a Safe Routes to School grant, which will allow for construction of a sidewalk along the north side of 2nd Street, as requested by Pettman. However, the grant cannot be used until 2016 at the earliest, said Sartell City Planner and Developer Anita Rasmussen. To put a sidewalk in at that location earlier would require advance funding of some sort.
