Installation near school, park properties discussed

QUINCY - Multiple parks in Quincy could receive sidewalks.

The city council approved to seek bids for the project Tuesday night, but remained unclear of where the funds would come from to pay for it.

Mayor Dick Zimbelman recommended council consider funding sidewalks for portions of North Park, South Park, O'Connel Park and some school property.

He suggested using money from the sidewalk fund. The fund has about $200,430 and is expected to reach $300,000 by the end of the year.

Councilmember Rebecca Young agreed sidewalks are necessary but disagreed with where the funding should come from.

The sidewalk fund was set up with a specific use, she said. Its intended use is to install sidewalks for homeowners only. She suggested pulling some money from the fund while looking for the remainder in a different fund.

"Sidewalk fund, that's what it's for," Councilmember Tony Gonzalez said.

Sidewalks near the school property and parks are a necessity due to safety precautions for the high volume of children in the area, he said.

In some areas, children are either in the street or in the park due to the lack of sidewalks, he added.

Councilmember Jose Salda-a said installing the sidewalks in the parks is a good start because it will spark curiosity among citizens.

Many Quincy citizens may feel compelled to install a sidewalk in front of their home if they see it constructed near the parks, he said. Citizens will approach the city wondering how to begin the process.

Council did not make a final decision regarding which fund to use for the project.