HAGERSTOWN – City officials are weighing whether to move forward with a sidewalk replacement project along a stretch of Northern Avenue where deteriorating walkways and heavy student foot traffic have raised safety concerns.
During a recent work session, City Engineer Jim Bender asked the mayor and city council for direction on replacing sidewalks on Northern Avenue between the railroad tracks and Pennsylvania Avenue, an area that includes Fountain Rock Elementary School and Northern Middle School.
Although the roadway lies within city limits, many of the homes fronting the north side of Northern Avenue are located in Washington County, a factor that has complicated past efforts to address sidewalk conditions in the area.
Bender said sidewalks on the north side of the street have been in poor condition for years. A large tree that previously prevented reconstruction has since been removed, eliminating one of the main physical obstacles to the project.
Bender also noted that federal and state Americans with Disabilities Act requirements increasingly require municipalities to upgrade sidewalks and curb ramps when significant roadway work is undertaken. Those standards, combined with the proximity to two schools, have elevated the urgency of the issue.
Councilwoman Caroline Anderson noted that student safety should take precedence over jurisdictional boundaries, citing the number of elementary and middle school students who regularly walk along Northern Avenue.
Councilman Kristin Aleshire stressed the importance of securing right-of-entry agreements from adjacent property owners, noting that failure to obtain permission from even one owner could delay or halt the project.
Bender assured the council that funding is available through uncommitted Highway User Revenue, but they did not want to advance design or construction plans without clear council support.
Council members expressed interest in coordinating with Washington County to explore potential cost-sharing, as many of the affected properties fall outside the city limits.
Timing was also a key concern. Officials said any sidewalk replacement should be scheduled during the summer months to avoid disrupting school traffic and pedestrian access during classes.
Staff members were directed to begin pursuing right-of-entry agreements, to reach out to county counterparts and to return to the council with updated information and a more detailed proposal before any final decision is made.
