Letters: Who should fix L.A.’s sidewalks?

Re “Fixing L.A.’s sidewalks,” Editorial, Feb. 23

I agree that the city should be responsible for repairing tree-damaged sidewalks, a service for which we homeowners pay via taxes.

But as a homeowner, I firmly believe that once these repairs are finally made, and if the city subsequently transfers responsibility for maintenance to the property owners, it should also give us the right to trim, maintain or otherwise remove the trees as necessary.

The city cannot have it all its own way. At present, we cannot touch the trees because the city claims ownership. But if the city’s trees damage the sidewalks in the future, we must pay for the repairs? That’s inherently unfair.

If homeowners had this right in the first place, much of the sidewalk damage would not have happened.

Stephen Shane

Encino

You suggest that the city fix the sidewalks and then turn over responsibility for maintenance and repair to adjoining property owners. You didn’t mention that in all cases other than tree root damage, adjoining property owners are responsible for their sidewalks.

Fixing and then transferring responsibility is a bad idea. Damage will still occur over time to the repaired sidewalks, and many homeowners won’t be able to pay for repairs. Furthermore, who’s going to enforce this change of responsibility?

Finally, the complexity of sidewalk repairs, which may include removing the damaging trees, may cause concern among homeowners as they see their curb appeal slide downward as tree-lined streets become barren.

Barry Weiss

Studio City

I live in the hills, and my home is at the entrance to a dead-end street. As a result, my sidewalk is the only extended, straight section, and large trucks can only turn around at the “T” intersection near my house.

City vehicles routinely park on the sidewalk. Their huge tires break down the curbing, and cracks soon appear in the sidewalk itself. When I confront the drivers, they often ask why I care and say that the city pays for repairs.

Please add somewhere in the drivers’ training that they are not to drive or park on sidewalks.

Meg Quinn Coulter

Los Angeles

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