Sidewalk Replacement Program

There is over 90 miles of major and local streets in the City of Inkster. The City is responsible for the maintenance of sidewalk damage caused by vehicle accidents, water main breaks and tree influence. Normal wear and tear or age damage is the responsibility of the homeowner, agent or occupant. They are also responsible for the repair or replacement of their sidewalk in cases of deterioration due to old age. If the sidewalk is raised or cracked because of a City owned tree, the Department of Public Service (DPS) will schedule the repairs upon notification from the property owner.

As a result of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, through Wayne County, we are able to offer grant assistance up to $1,000 to residents who qualify for the Sidewalk Replacement Program. Grant funding is limited and will be disbursed on a first come, first served basis with emphasis being placed on the areas of greatest need.  The deadline to apply is October 1, 2012.

The goal of the program is to repair and replace dangerous sidewalks to secure pedestrian safety. The City is responsible to ensure that sidewalks are maintained in good condition for the entire community, including constructing corners to provide wheelchair ramps, maintaining new alley approaches, and repairing sidewalks to City-owned property.

The effort to ensure sidewalks are maintained in safe condition is shared by property owners. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their sidewalks and driveway approaches next to their property. Chapter 97 of the municipal code establishes the property owner’s responsibility for sidewalk repairs.

Replacement efforts will focus on concrete which poses a threat to public safety, such as poor concrete alignment either vertically or horizontally, disintegrated surfaces, holding water, badly pitched, etc. Minor cracks (not exceeding 2) are not ordinarily a reason to require replacement unless it is next to concrete that is being replaced.

Trees in the area between the sidewalk and the curb will only be removed, by the City, if dead, dying, diseased or unsafe, and if approved for removal by the Department of Public Service. Please direct any question concerning a tree to 313.563.9773. The sidewalk inspector CANNOT make this decision.

Summary of Program Rules

1. Only the owner-occupant of the property may apply for grant assistance. The household income may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (see Wayne County, Michigan chart below). The homeowner(s) must have hazard insurance, the property taxes must be current and the primary mortgage (if any) must be current in order to participate in this program. The home must be the primary residence of the property owner to receive assistance and proof of primary residence will be required.
2. Monies are not committed or guaranteed to a homeowner until all support documentation has been submitted, reviewed and is approved in writing by the Rehabilitation Specialist or authorized personnel.
3. Grants will be awarded up to $1,000.00. There is no guarantee that the full amount will be awarded. The amount of the award will solely be determined by the City.
4. Grant funding is limited and will be disbursed on a first come, first served basis with emphasis being placed on the areas of greatest need.
5. Repairs greater than the grant amount will be the sole responsibility of the homeowner(s).

Income eligibility for residents will be determined by using the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development standards for income limits as identified below.

To qualify for the program, the property owner must utilize the City of Inkster designated contractor selected by the City to do the work and agree to the terms of the program. The financial assistance program does not include the section of sidewalk directly behind the driveway. If determined eligible for the program, a sidewalk assessment will be performed to determine the cost of the repair. Scheduling will be determined by city staff and the city contractor depending upon the amount of work to be done and weather conditions. Consideration to qualified residents will occur to the extent grant funds are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Curbs Part of the Sidewalk Program?
No, Curbs are not part of the program. They are the responsibility of the Department of Public Works. The only time you are responsible for a curb is if you widen your driveway. The sidewalk contractor is responsible for the sidewalks and approach only.

How Soon Can the New Cement Be Driven On?
New cement cannot be driven on for at least (7) days to allow time for it to cure properly. If you choose to drive on it before the allotted time, neither the City, nor the contractor, will accept responsibility.

Can Patching of Cracks or Grinding of Concrete Be Done?
No. Patching of cracks will not last through a winter. Grinding only reduces minimum thickness of concrete and affects the integrity of the cement.

How long will the program last?
October 1, 2012

PLEASE READ - THE SECTION BELOW IS VERY IMPORTANT

The following is a list of criteria used to determine the repair of sidewalk slabs and approaches for replacement:

1. Slab has settled or raised ¾" or more
2. Adjacent slabs have raised up or settled causing a high or low point of ¾" or the slab has raised or settled preventing water from draining off the sidewalk or driveway
3. Slab moves or wobbles
4. Sidewalk slab is sloped too steep (5/8" per foot or 3" in a 5’ slab)
5. Separation of 1" or more (excluding joint material or score line) between slabs
6. Spalling (flaking) ¾" deep by 12" diameter or greater
7. Numerous cracks in slab, two or more
8. Obstructions protruding ½" or more above sidewalk
9. Other hazardous conditions

If you are ineligible for the program and/or you wish to have the work done yourself, the ordinance requires that a permit be obtained from the Building Department.

NOTE: IF APPROVED FOR THE PROGRAM, THE CITY CONTRACTOR WILL BE SCHEDULED BY CITY STAFF ACCORDING TO A SCHEDULE DETERMINED BY CITY STAFF AND THE CITY CONTRACTOR DEPENDING UPON THE AMOUNT OF WORK TO BE DONE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS. PLEASE WATCH FOR THE BARRICADES AND MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS PARKED ON THE STREET IF THE WORK BEING PERFORMED WILL PREVENT YOU FROM DRIVING ON YOUR DRIVEWAY.

Summary of Required Documentation

• Application (must be filled out completely and signed, dated)
• Income verification, such as six week’s worth of consecutive pay stubs or statements or a letter indicating monthly or annual allocation such as Social Security, from all sources
• Last year’s income tax return
• Identification (State driver’s license or State ID and social security card for all household members)
• Recorded Warranty deed or recorded Quit Claim deed – to contact the Wayne County Register of Deeds, please call (313)224-5854
• Death certificate (if deceased is on deed)
• Annual mortgage statement/escrow analysis or monthly statement
• Proof of homeowner’s insurance
• Taxes must be paid and current to participate in this program (records will be obtained internally)
• Affidavit Regarding Conflict of Interest (this document must be notarized)

*These items must be submitted in order to determine qualification and eligibility. Once this has been done, you will be notified regarding your eligibility for the program.

This is an equal opportunity program designed to assist low to moderate-income individuals and families. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, ethnic or national origin, familial status or physical or mental disability.

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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge • Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232

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