By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Early this month, City of Great Bend officials noticed Harrison Street
started to buckle at the intersection with 17th Street. The extreme
heat caused the concrete to push against itself.
The sidewalks throughout town are enduring the same heat which has caused
sections to buckle.
At this week’s city council meeting, Great Bend City Administrator Kendal
Francis was made aware of several portions of sidewalk along 10th
Street that started to buckle.
"This is in the very early stages, but we're trying to develop a sidewalk replacement program," said Francis. "This would be geared towards predominantly residential areas, but I think there is the ability we could look at assistance for commercial sidewalks."
There was concern if the city was liable for any accidents that might
occur from the worn out sidewalk. Francis said he would refer to the city’s
attorney, but generally the property owner is responsible for making repairs.
According to Great Bend’s city ordinances, every property owner shall keep the
sidewalk abutting their property in repair and shall be liable for any injury
to persons or property caused by any broken, raised or lowered places in the sidewalk.