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1. Why is this project necessary?

In order to sustain and improve safety within the Village of Shorewood and to continue to help make the village a walkable community, the Village Board in 1991 formulated a policy regarding public sidewalk replacement. All sidewalks within the village street right of way are typically inspected every six years based on several criteria; hazardous sidewalks in the specified area will be replaced as part of this project. The Village typically only includes replacement of problematic sidewalks within the current area; however, sidewalks identified as being hazardous outside the area through complaints are also added to the current year's project.

2. Who will be doing the work?

Through a public-bid process, Snorek Construction, Inc. of Milwaukee, WI, has been selected to perform the sidewalk replacement. Project field work will be managed by The Sigma Group engineering consultants .

3. How do I know what public sidewalk will be replaced?

The public sidewalk sections to be replaced are or will be marked with white arrows indicating the extent of replacement. Sidewalk squares are identified for replacement based upon Village Board-approved criteria. In some cases replacements are due to cracking, in others to eliminate trip hazards caused by heaving or sinking walks. If you have questions regarding marked squares, please contact the Department of Public Works at 414-847-2650.

4. Will you also replace the sidewalk between the street and the sidewalk (carriage walk)?

The sidewalk that links the back of curb at the street with the public sidewalk is commonly known as the carriage walk. The Village includes these walks in their inspection and will mark them for replacement if they meet replacement criteria.

5. What will the cost of replacing the sidewalk be for me?

Most sidewalk work is 100% assessable to the abutting property owner. If you live on a corner lot, the side of the residence typically not listed as your address will be assessed at 50%. An estimated assessment breakdown for your property is included in the Notice of Assessment. Your final assessment will be based on the contracted price of the actual material quantities and work performed. An invoice will be mailed upon completion of the work.

6. Will the project include the replacement of the driveway apron?

The driveway apron is the section of your driveway located between the street curb and the sidewalk. All driveway aprons must be installed according to the specifications set forth by the village. The Village does not typically inspect or have a program to replace driveway aprons outside of their normal inclusion in scheduled street reconstruction projects.

7. When will the project be started and completed?

It is anticipated that sidewalk removals will begin the in late August/early September, however prep work may begin prior to that time. Typically, a sidewalk project takes four to six weeks to complete – weather permitting.

8. When will the contractor get to me?

When the project gets underway, the Village will cooperate with the contractor to get additional scheduling and work progress information posted and/or distributed in a timely manner. The actual progression of work often varies and is dependent on many things including weather and field conditions.

9. What if use and access of my driveway is affected by this work?

Your access will only be interrupted if the sidewalk portion to be replaced falls within the driveway. The contractor should give notification of work affecting use of your driveway at least 24 hours in advance of removal. Street parking permits will be distributed to affected residents. Affected driveways should not be used until the concrete has sufficiently hardened as evidenced by the removal of barricades by the contractor. Typically seven days of concrete curing is required.

10. What about my special conditions or requests?

Residents may have plants, decorative stone, buried sprinklers, buried electric pet containment fences, or other obstructions that may impact the scheduled work. All buried sprinkler systems and pet fences must be clearly marked with white spray paint and/or white flags before the contractor begins work and through the duration of the project. The contractor starts the project sometimes using a root-saw in areas that tree roots heaved or will heave the concrete in the future.

The Village and contractor are not responsible for damage to utilities installed by the property owner not clearly marked as described above. All other utilities such as gas, electric, cable, and telephone will be marked by "Diggers Hotline". You will see further markings in various colors that correspond to these utilities. Questions regarding these should be directed to the utilities themselves. Typically, residents also have vacations, parties, home projects, and other events that may conflict with the scheduled work. Special conditions and requests received by the village in a timely manner will be given to the contractor for consideration.

11. How is restoration of turf handled?

All turf areas will be repaired with top soil and grass seed. Residents are responsible for watering and care of the seeded area.

12. When is my payment due?

As noted, an invoice will be mailed upon completion of the work. It is anticipated this will occur on or about October 1st. The Village would appreciate prompt payment of the total amount at that time. If payment is not received by November 1, 2015, it will be added as a Special Assessment to your 2015 tax bill.

13. Whom can I contact with questions?

Questions regarding the project can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 414-847-2650, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.