BizFed OPPOSES Point of Sale Sidewalk Repair Program C.F. 05-1853

The one hundred thousand strong group of Los Angeles County businesses join SRAR REALTORS to express their strong opposition to the Point of Sale Sidewalk Repair Program C.F. 05-1853. Along with thousands of other business owners, leaders, and property owners throughout Los Angeles they support the adequate funding of infrastructure repair by the city and the funding of the voluntary 50/50 program and expand it to commercial property as well as residential.

As an important decision maker on this issue, it is imperative that the city remove, from any consideration, the proposal that would shift liability and responsibility for sidewalk repair to the property or business owner. This is not a viable solution to the problem we all face of having 4,600 miles of broken, dangerous sidewalks throughout the city. This outrageous proposal could easily cost the average home owner $7,000.

In light of three record years of property tax revenues and Prop. S the voluntary "50/50 program" has been under funded as has sidewalk repair. Liability issues cost the city millions of dollars a year, once the liability is on the owner insurance premiums would rise unless sidewalks were repaired at renewal.

Forcing sidewalk repairs at the "point of sale" - which is impractical on its face, especially with many home owners already distressed and cash strapped, the time needed to make repairs, and considering today's slow pace of sales - is a piece-meal approach that will continue to endanger the public.

We support a voluntary sidewalk public safety program, one which would see all dangerous sidewalks repaired, with the cost and legal liability remaining with the city or possibly shared, but only if property owners voluntarily approve a comprehensive program.

We urge the city not to let this Point Of Sale Sidewalk Repair Program see the light of day. Please seek to find alternative solutions that do not shift this high burden to the property owners.

Public Works committee: Chair Hon. Bill Rosendahl 1213 473 7011, Hon.Creig Smith 213 473 7012 , Hon. Richard Alarcon 213 473 7007