To: The Honorable Mayor, City Council Members, and the Department of Public Works of the City of Newburgh, NY

We, the residents and property owners of  Newburgh, petition our city officials to end the unfair policy that requires private property owners to repair and maintain public sidewalks.

Sidewalks are public property — part of the community’s right-of-way — and are used by everyone. They are essential public infrastructure, just like streets, traffic lights, and street signs, and should be maintained with city resources, not by individual homeowners.

Why This Matters

🏘️ Unfair Burden on Residents:

Many property owners simply cannot afford the thousands of dollars in repair costs this policy demands, especially amid rising property taxes, utility rates, and inflation.

🚶 Public Safety & Accessibility:

Damaged sidewalks create dangerous conditions for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Consistent, citywide maintenance ensures safety and ADA compliance.

⚖️ Equity & Consistency:

The city’s current approach leads to uneven repairs, creating visual and safety disparities between neighborhoods.

🌆 Community Appearance & Value:

Safe, well-maintained sidewalks enhance neighborhood pride, property values, and citywide appearance.

What We’re Asking For

We call on the City of Newburgh to:

Amend the municipal code to remove the requirement that property owners are financially responsible for sidewalk repairs.
Create a municipal sidewalk maintenance program, funded through city infrastructure budgets, grants, or state/federal programs.
Hold a public hearing to allow residents to voice their experiences and propose fair, sustainable solutions.

Our Goal

We seek a safer, fairer, and more unified Newburgh — where sidewalks are maintained as public assets, for the benefit of all.

Together, we can make Newburgh’s sidewalks safer, stronger, and more accessible — for everyone.

#FixNewburghFairly #SidewalkJustice #CityResponsibility #NewburghNY #CommunityFirst