Residents urge pause on Walk Oakland Park sidewalks; city calls project 'funded, aims to mitigate impacts

City staff described a federal grant'funded project to build sidewalks and swales on Northeast Thirteenth Avenue and multiple adjacent side streets, saying the work is intended to improve drainage, ADA access and pedestrian connectivity to downtown parks and transit.

"Sidewalks save lives," Sierra Marrero, the city's director of engineering and community development, said during an extended presentation on Walk Oakland Park, noting federal and Broward MPO guidelines, ADA obligations and stormwater benefits tied to the project and the grant.

Marrero told the commission the project has an active construction contract and that sidewalks on the side streets are designed in concert with swales and drainage tie'ins to a 72'inch trunk line on Thirteenth Avenue. She said designs were chosen to keep water off private property while meeting grant and flood'mitigation requirements.

Dozens of residents near the proposed work, particularly from the Corals neighborhood, asked the commission to pause the side'street sidewalk work or to narrow its scope. Gordon McNichols, who presented a signed petition from homeowners, said the plan would "destroy the charm" of narrow streets, remove mature trees, damage irrigation and reduce parking on tight drives. He recommended targeted alternatives such as speed humps, four'way stops and placing sidewalks only on higher'use north'south routes.

Other speakers raised similar concerns, citing property impacts such as proximity of driveways, sewer cleanouts and long'established trees that petitioners say were not adequately noticed. Multiple speakers asked staff to prioritize drainage repairs only where homes have documented flooding rather than a blanket sidewalk installation.

City Manager David Aber told the commission that the grant was awarded years ago and that changes now could risk the funding; he said staff would research mitigation options and return with more information. City Attorney said the contract and grant are active and emphasized that staff can pursue mitigation and communication but that withdrawing from the project may carry legal and financial liabilities.

Commissioners split on policy and tactics in public remarks: some said sidewalks are essential for ADA access and long'term connectivity while others emphasized neighborhood character and tree preservation. The commission did not take a final action on the project at the meeting; staff was directed to report back on options to reduce impacts and next steps while acknowledging the grant and contract status.

The commission and staff also urged residents to continue direct dialog with engineering staff so specific drainage or tree concerns can be documented and considered in the design and construction sequence.