New Sidewalks Pending in San Angelo

Residents of 19th street rejoice, the City Council approved initiating the process to build a sidewalk on the south side of the street at the regular council meeting Tuesday morning. City staff estimates the project will cost $130,000, but there are lingering questions about the building materials costs and if the city needs to purchase rights-of-way.

“We needed a sidewalk desperately,” said Councilman Don Vardeman about the dangerous walking path one would take down 19th.

Many people participated in the public comment, including Craig Meyers of the left-leaning West Texas Organizing Strategy, who brought down the full force of the class warfare argument upon the council. “The first thing many governances have to take into consideration is the well-being of the citizens, not aesthetics,” he said.

Meyers referred to many walking trails, parks, and items that people drive their air conditioned cars to for exercises as “desirables, not essentials.”

OIthers not affiliated with Meyers agreed that there needs to be a sidewalk.

 “We will make sure it’s constructed this time,” said councilman Vardeman, who represents the affected area of town.

The Council approved the city staff to look into construction of the project 6-0. Councilman Marty Self was absent. Final approval of funding is pending.