Part Two discusses walkability and sidewalk needs throughout our community  

NACOGDOCHES- The City of Nacogdoches invites all residents to a face-to-face discussion about sidewalks in our community. The discussion will be held at Nacogdoches High School in the Commons Area on July 12, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This is part two of the multi-part discussion series to be held over a course of months in order to gain feedback about issues involving the City of Nacogdoches and its improvement efforts. Residents are invited to share ideas to help shape the future of our community in regards to connectivity, walkability, and sidewalks. After group discussion on the philosophy of sidewalks in our community, a group activity will be conducted to continue the sharing process.

"This is a topic the city has been asked to address by several citizens and we feel it's important to have a broad discussion about sidewalks prior to enacting or writing any related ordnances, Larissa Philpot, Director of Municipal Services said. "This is the first of many steps to making our community more practical, walkable, and cohesive."

The discussion event will address the following questions:

• Topic 1 - How should sidewalks be funded (public or private)?
• Topic 2 - Who should maintain sidewalks?
• Topic 3 - What is the economic impact of new sidewalk ordinances on private business owners, local government, and the community?
• Topic 4 - Where are sidewalks a priority in the community?

"Overall this discussion is important because we need to begin a two-way conversation that will allow city leaders and community members to understand what's needed in Nacogdoches," Steve Bartlett, City Engineer said. "There is a cost to sidewalks and wide-spread connectivity. This must be practically balanced with input from community members and creative strategies from all parties involved. 

A second discussion series session regarding sidewalks will be held after this event in order to begin defining specific, ordinance-related verbiage for future proposed ordinances. This date will be announced after the July 12th event.