City of North Tonawanda's 'Sidewalk 50/50' to assist homeowners & improve neighborhood safety

Submitted by the City of North Tonawanda

The City of North Tonawanda is proud to announce the launch of a new “Sidewalk 50/50” cost-sharing program aimed at helping homeowners replace deteriorated sidewalks while improving neighborhood safety, accessibility, and overall community appearance.

The program will provide eligible residential property owners with a 50% cost share for sidewalk replacement projects, helping reduce the financial burden of necessary repairs while ensuring improvements are completed efficiently and to city standards.

Funding for the program is limited, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To help streamline the process and keep costs affordable for residents, the city publicly bid the project and selected the lowest responsible bidder to complete the work. All approved sidewalk replacements under the program will be performed by the city-selected contractor to ensure consistency, quality workmanship, and cost efficiency.

Based on current pricing, homeowners participating in the program can expect to pay approximately $175 to $200 per sidewalk slab/block replaced, depending on the extent of the work and material costs. The city will cover the remaining portion of the replacement cost.

This program does not apply to sidewalk damage caused by city-owned trees. Residents experiencing sidewalk damage related to tree roots should contact the Department of Public Works for evaluation and potential repair options.

Program highlights:

√ 50/50 cost share between the city and participating homeowners

√ Work completed by a city-selected low bidder contractor

√ Designed to improve walkability, safety, and neighborhood conditions

√ Limited funding available on a first-come, first-served basis

Eligibility requirements:

√ Property must have no outstanding back taxes or water bills

√ Only the property owner may apply

√ Sidewalk replacements will utilize standard concrete finishes only

Once approved, the contractor will coordinate directly with the homeowner regarding scheduling, billing, and completion of the work.

Mayor Austin Tylec emphasized the importance of the initiative.

“This program is about helping residents invest in our neighborhoods in a practical and meaningful way,” he said. “By financially assisting residents address sidewalk repairs, we are improving pedestrian safety, supporting accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities, and continuing to take pride in the condition of our city.”

Residents interested in applying for the program can find additional information and application materials at www.northtonawanda.gov/sidewalk-replacement-program.

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