Fort Wayne Right of Way director outlines growth, 50/50 sidewalk program and 311 response timeline

Nick Jerrell, director of the City of Fort Wayne Right of Way division, presented an annual update Nov. 25 describing staffing, programs and service levels.

Jerrell said the office expanded from three staff in 2018 to 17 today and handles a wide range of work where public and private interests meet — from excavation and barricade permits to landscape projects and ADA ramp packages. He told council the division issues about 4,000 permits a year and generates roughly $650,000 annually for the general fund through permitting fees.

Program highlights included the Barrett residential 50/50 sidewalk cost-share and a miscellaneous 50/50 program that can apply to commercial properties; Jerrell said whole blocks can choose to participate in some programs. He described a trip-hazard elimination program that has put about 31 miles of sidewalk into ADA compliance and explained the sidewalk-leveling technique (foam injection) as a lower-cost alternative that can restore pedestrian access the same day. Jerrell also said the Right of Way team coordinates vegetation enforcement and guardrail repairs and works closely with other city departments on roundabouts and underpass projects.

On constituent service, Jerrell said 311 requests routed to Right of Way receive an initial response and report within five days; inspectors log findings in the city system so residents and staff may follow up.

Council members thanked Jerrell for the overview and asked follow-up questions about participation in the Barrett program, pothole tort claims and program costs. Jerrell said he would provide more specific lifecycle and cost information as requested.

The presentation concluded with council appreciation for the division’s in-house concrete work, which Jerrell said saves approximately $1 million a year by avoiding external contracts.