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24 <br /> Sidewalk/connectivity to schools and areas outside of town limits <br /> Ms. Rich provided context for this topic, explaining it is an ongoing safety issue for students <br /> who walk to school. Recently a child was hit on his way to school and suffered a broken arm. <br /> Ms. Hammersley let the Work Group know there is funding in the 19/20 budget for a feasibility <br /> study to see what could be done along Orange Grove Road. She has asked staff to release the <br /> RFP for a consultant. She said they will be looking at bike/pedestrian paths which wouldn't have <br /> to have curb and gutter. Once the study is complete, she outlined her plan to talk with the <br /> town, the schools and the NCDOT about what to do. She emphasized it's not as simple as <br /> parents calling and saying the county needs to do something—the cost will be significant. <br /> Ms. Hauth added at the end of the day, the NCDOT rests on the fact that there isn't an existing <br /> network of pedestrian facilities in the vicinity so they don't want to spend the money to <br /> improve the bridge. If there can be a way to bring a network to the bridge it would apply <br /> pressure and help it score better than it has in the past. <br /> Ms. Rich emphasized it's important to get the study done and wondered about what to say to <br /> some concerned parents. The response from the principal was don't let them walk to school, <br /> but that's not necessarily a good response because they will walk to school. She suggesting <br /> crafting a communication to let the community know the study is occurring. <br /> Ms. Hammersley emphasized the need to manage expectations. The results of the study could <br /> indicate a fiscal solution that couldn't be taken on without raising more taxes. The county is <br /> looking at it and cares about it, but can only do so much. <br /> Ms. Price indicated there have been many studies and Ms. Hammersley asked if there were <br /> studies on this particular topic. Ms. Hauth said she didn't think so. Ms. Hammersley expressed <br /> hope the consultant would offer suggestions for funding sources. Ms. Hauth added if a sidewalk <br /> or path is added, it will also need to be determined who will maintain it because it's outside the <br /> city limits. Ms. Hammersley said the issue of maintenance wasn't as big of a concern for the <br /> county—their concern is the cost and also easements. She emphasized the timeline is <br /> unknown. <br /> Mr. Peterson agreed with Ms. Hammersley that there can be complicating cost factors of <br /> sidewalks. The town hasn't completed many sidewalks, but one it did do was Nash Street ten <br /> years ago, which was 1.4 miles and cost $1.4 million. Unexpected finds under ground increased <br /> costs 40%. He explained retrofitting sidewalks is a tough nut to crack. <br /> Ms. Hammersley added it is a complex issue and maybe someone saying they should ride the <br /> bus is insensitive but maybe for safety for right now, that's the best approach because we want <br /> students to be safe. <br /> Hillsborough Work Group, October 2019, Page 7 <br />