This campaign collects money from neighbors who have already committed to have their sidewalks replaced. Read more about our project below, or email us to get an individual estimate for your property.

Walkability 

In our 2016 Central Gardens Strategic Neighborhood Plan, we identified walkability as an important feature in our neighborhood. We also learned that one big weakness of our neighborhood is the nearly impassable sidewalks. A team of volunteers was formed to assess the conditions of our sidewalks. We assessed every block of the neighborhood using a BLDG Memphis app that was customized just for us. The results: Approximately 85% of sidewalks in Central Gardens need repair and over 60% of those warrant immediate repair. Most homeowners know that it is their responsibility to repair but are not sure how. 

Our first step was to begin to educate our neighbors about how to maintain and repair sidewalks. This information is located on our website and a short video shows the obstacles that adults, children, and those with disabilities face every day while trying to navigate crumbling sidewalks.

Getting the Best Price

While financial responsibility falls to the homeowner, we explored a variety of group discounts and city mechanisms that would offer the lowest possible rate to the greatest number of participants. When the city sends a large quantity of sidewalks out for bids, they generally expect to pay $8 per square foot of sidewalk and $12 per square foot of driveway apron.

For Central Gardens to receive that rate through the city, our sidewalk repairs would have to be processed as a Department of Engineering contract. The neighborhood would have to submit the full balance to City Council, which would then vote to accept the money and allocate it. It wasn't clear how long this process would take.

Our Solution

Luther Powers, a longtime concrete contractor with substantial experience in Central Gardens, was willing to beat the city's rate. Once ioby fundraising expences are factored in, we can still deliver the $8/$12 price the city uses, without the hassle of City Council. Our Sidewalk Bundling Plan will serve as a test pilot for Central Gardens and Midtown. By joining with 20+ neighbors, we can demonstrate that we can improve the walkability and safety of the neighborhood at the same time offering neighbors a significant reduction in cost (compared to going it alone).