Sidewalk repair and right-of-way tree maintenance to make Flint more walkable as part of Mayor Neeley’s Safe and Clean Summer initiative

FLINT, Mich. – Sidewalk repair and maintenance of trees in city-owned right-of-ways will begin in Flint neighborhoods this summer, thanks to $4 million in ARPA allocations proposed by Mayor Neeley and approved by the Flint City Council this week. The immense effort to fix broken sidewalks is part of Mayor Neeley’s Safe and Clean Summer initiative, a massive multi-department effort to improve quality of life for Flint residents.

An assessment of all city sidewalks is currently underway, identifying the areas in most need of repair. Some street trees in the city-owned right-of-way that are damaging sidewalks will be addressed with maintenance or possible removal. The City’s goal is to improve pedestrian safety, the appearance of the city’s neighborhoods, and the overall quality of life for Flint residents.

The City is prioritizing equity by ensuring that sidewalk repairs happen in every city ward.

“Making our community more walkable gives Flint residents the opportunity to get out and safely explore our city, both for recreation and to get where they need to go,” Mayor Neeley said. “Now our sidewalks will add to the beauty of our landscape and our neighborhoods.”

Funded by an additional ARPA allocation of $111,000, Spalding DeDecker is conducting a systematic inspection of city sidewalks and developing a 5-year repair plan. The City of Flint will then choose priority areas near schools and hospitals in each ward to be repaired first. Once those areas are identified, contractor KMI Road Maintenance will replace damaged sidewalks.

As part of the sidewalk repair process, the City will assess trees impacting the sidewalks identified for repair. Contractors J & M Tree Service and Wonsey Tree Service will be maintaining and/or removing any trees in the city-owned right-of-way that are deemed harmful and/or hazardous to sidewalks and pedestrian travel.

Residents can call 810-766-7343 to report problems with sidewalks.