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Houston City Council to Vote on Removing Sidewalk Requirement for Developers

Summary

Houston City Council will vote on an amendment to remove the requirement for developers of single-family homes to build sidewalks or pay a fee-in-lieu. The current policy, intended to enhance walkability, has led to disconnected sidewalks in areas lacking broader infrastructure. Council Members Edward Pollard, Tiffany D. Thomas, and Carolyn Evans-Shabazz argue the rule is impractical. However, Ed Pettitt, Vice President of the Third Ward Super Neighborhood, warns that eliminating the fee will undermine mobility and safety improvements in underserved areas like Third Ward. Pettitt emphasizes that sidewalk upgrades were a top priority in local assessments, crucial for community safety.

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