Byron Looks to Promote Sidewalk Replacement Program

BYRON — The City of Byron has $10,000 dollars budgeted in the current fiscal year for a sidewalk replacement program, according to City Administrator Patricia Diduch. She said the city recently completed preventative maintenance on about eight blocks of sidewalk by leveling uneven panels with saw cutting to extend their lifespan. Byron also offers a 50/50 reimbursement program that allows property owners to replace sidewalks using a private contractor and receive half the cost back from the city after inspection. Officials said the program has been under publicized and staff plan to promote it to gauge resident interest before the next budget cycle, while also weighing whether future sidewalk work should be handled through reimbursements, city led projects, or as part of larger infrastructure improvements.