Mount Lebanon has long been recognized as a walkable community, but several streets lacked one key feature: sidewalks.
To address those gaps, the municipality has launched a sidewalk expansion program designed to improve safety, mobility and accessibility throughout the community.
“Over the last five years, the commission has been focused on improving mobility and accessibility throughout the community,” said Ian McMeans, Mount Lebanon assistant manager and planner. “During the comprehensive plan process, mobility issues were among the top points of public feedback that residents felt the municipality should address over the next decade. The sidewalk expansion program is one piece of the commission’s commitment to improving mobility and accessibility.”
The municipal code authorizes the commission to require sidewalk construction on streets, with property owners responsible for the full cost. However, the commission revised its sidewalk expansion policy to establish a cost-sharing program. Under the revised policy, participating homeowners pay 10% of installation costs, while the municipality covers the remaining 90%.
All property owners on Woodland and Greenhurst drives signed cost-sharing agreements.
Last summer, sidewalks were installed on Woodland Drive at a total cost of $534,400. Of that amount, 29 homeowners contributed a combined $61,725, with the municipality funding the balance.
Residents on Woodland Drive also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help neighbors who might have difficulty covering their share of the project costs.
Construction on Greenhurst Drive is nearing completion, although final costs have not yet been determined because they are based on actual labor and material expenses. In April, the commission awarded the construction contract to Niando Construction with a bid of $196,123.
The next sidewalk project is scheduled for Lakemont Drive in summer 2027.
“Once funding is allocated, residents will be notified and the project will be bid in early 2027,” McMeans said. He added that sidewalk construction is typically scheduled during summer break to minimize disruptions for students and families.
Additional streets also may be considered.
“In 2023, the commission directed the municipal engineer to conduct a type, size and location analysis on seven streets to determine the feasibility of sidewalks,” McMeans said. “In addition to Woodland, Greenhurst and Lakemont, Gateway Engineers analyzed the potential for sidewalks on Sleepy Hollow, Country Club, Kelso and Robb Hollow. Resident requests have also been made for sidewalks on Salem Drive.”
The commission is expected to discuss priorities for future sidewalk projects during its July 14 discussion session.
Greenhurst Drive resident Anna Noack said the municipality kept homeowners informed throughout the process through mailed notices, although she was unable to attend the community meeting held in February.
She contacted the project manager after expressing concerns about protecting the roots of a large silver maple tree in her front yard.
“They were very responsive and addressed my concerns,” Noack said.
Her primary concern involved the uncertainty surrounding the final cost because homeowners were provided only with estimates of their 10% share.
“I didn’t want us to say yes to something and then have to deal with project creep and amounts that increased without having any say in how it happened,” she said. “I think they handled it well, but not knowing the exact amount introduced a little concern initially.”
Overall, Noack said most neighbors supported the Greenhurst Drive project because of the area’s heavy pedestrian traffic.
“We’ve all seen so many people walking on the road or across our front yards for so long,” she said. “It’s such a pedestrian-heavy neighborhood, and there are always kids, dog walkers and people pushing strollers. It’s also a fairly busy road that sometimes carries hospital traffic, including ambulances in emergency mode, so I’m glad the sidewalk will offer a little more safety.”
