Condo association wants Prospect Heights' OK to repair sidewalks

Frustrated by a lack of response from Prospect Heights officials to repeated requests for sidewalk maintenance, one neighborhood is asking the city for the rights to the sidewalks to get the needed repairs done.

Ken Greeson, president of Rob Roy Country Club Village Condominium Association's board of directors, made the request to aldermen during their city council meeting Monday. He said the association's management company has emailed the city about the issue three times over the last few months and received no reply.

The association wants to take responsibility for repairing and replacing the sidewalks bordering major roads surrounding the condominium complex, which sits along Camp McDonald and Wheeling roads.

"These sidewalks are in need of repair, and we plan to begin as soon as we can get an agreement," Greeson said. "We want to prevent any future trip-and-fall hazards."

Greeson, a resident of Rob Roy for 22 years, said the sidewalks have been a matter of disagreement between the city and complex for years.

Planned sidewalk repairs will cost $70,000, and Greeson said the association hopes to begin work this summer.

He is seeking documentation from the city stating the sidewalks will be Rob Roy's responsibility, and that if the city has to tear apart a sidewalk to reach underground infrastructure, such as water or sewer lines, the city will be responsible for replacing them.

City Administrator Joe Wade said it is not uncommon for developments such as Rob Roy to take over sidewalk maintenance.

Mayor Nick Helmer advised Greeson to have the association's board submit a formal letter of their requests for the city attorney review.