MPNA Sidewalk Pilot Program

For more information on sidewalks, please contact sidewalks@mestapark.org.

At a General Neighborhood meeting in May 2003, the MPNA approved the initial funding of a neighborhood sidewalk replacement program.  The program was established to reimburse eligible property owners up to a maximum of $500 or $1,000 (in-block vs. corner property) for sidewalk replacement projects.  Details of the pilot program were presented initially in April 2003 to the MPNA Board followed by an endorsement that went to a vote in the May, 2003 GEneral Neighborhood meeting.  Following a lull in funds, the program has been reenergized recently.

We are pleased to announce new funds were recently approved in the amount of $4,000.  As in the past, the sidewalk committee will be accepting applications (see reverse).  The MPNA would like to assist as many applicants as possible as the Sidewalk Committee meets each month.  Applications will be considered as we receive them.  And, because the program is to stimulate new improvements, no retroactive applications will be considered.

To be eligbible for the matching grant program:

• Property owners must be members of the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association;
• Sidewalks must be on residential properties within Mesta Park;
• Property owners must use licensed contractors and follow the Oklahoma City HP Guidelines (approved by City Council in March 2003);
• Where possible, homeowners are encouraged to preserve existing undamaged sidewalk sections.

Program guidelines provide reimbursable grants up to 33% of the eligible sidewalk replacement cost, or a maximum of $500 for properties within the block, and a maximum of $1,000 for corner properties with sidewalks along two sides.  (Note:  For corner property projects, the reimbursement maximum will be limited to $500 if only one side is replaced).  Only sidewalks parallel to the street and those from the curb to the sidewalk are eligible for the grants.  Driveway aprons and sidewalks to the front door do not qualify.

The relationship between the property owner and the sidewalk contractor will be exlusive.  The MPNA assumes no responsibility for the work of the contractor performing the sidewalk replacement for the property owner.  Property owners will be fully responsible for the satisfactory completion of work and the payment in full to their contractor for their project before MPNA will disburse funds for reimbursement.

All work must comply with the current City of Oklahoma City Building, Construction, and Historic Preservation Zoning ordinances and guidelines.  Where applicable, segments of sidewalks that fall under the criteria of the Americans with Disabilities ACt should be constructed to accommodate the curb cuts and grade requirements for wheelchair access.

Finally, while the work on sidewalk projects is underway, MPNA will ask property owners to allow the sidewalk Committe to place a sign in the yard publicizing the project as a cooperative endeavor between the MPNA and the property owner.