An inactive grant program that helps Reading homeowners fix their broken sidewalks might be reinvigorated and expanded for next year.
City Council recently heard an update on the program, which provides direct financial support of up to $5,000 for sidewalk replacement.
Community Development Director David Barr and Finance Director Jamar Kelly outlined the history and future considerations for the initiative.
The existing program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is available only to owner-occupied, single-family homes.
Initiated in 2019 with an initial set aside of $400,000, it was formally launched in 2022. During that year and 2023, a total of 36 sidewalks were repaired at a cost of roughly $322,000, Kelly said. The remaining budgeted funds carried through 2024, he said.
While applications continue to be submitted, he said the program was inactive this year due to staffing shortages.
Barr said Mayor Eddie Moran’s administration intends to ask council to consider allocating $1 million for the program in the 2026 budget.
Based on past costs, Kelly estimated such funding could potentially cover the cost of repairing sidewalks at about 90 properties.
Reading is unique in the region for offering such assistance, Barr said, noting no other city in southeastern Pennsylvania provides sidewalk repair grants to homeowners.
“Only Lancaster provides any other kind of financial incentives,” he said, “and they do that through a low interest, 2%, loan program.”
Council members asked Barr and Kelly how the program would be structured and who would benefit.
So far, Barr said, the program has been limited to owner-occupied homes, with higher priority for senior citizens or disabled residents with financial challenges.
Landlords, he said, were generally expected to handle their own sidewalk repairs.
Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. questioned the possibility of broadening eligibility, and said he supports including renters and homeowners.
“I am 100% on board on incentivizing renters,” he said.
Kelly raised the possibility of requiring property owners to share costs at 25% or 50% of the project total.
Such an approach, he said would stretch funding further and ensure greater compliance.
Questions also arose about how to manage the program if it expands.
Barr suggested it might be better suited for administration by the Public Works Department than his office.
“If we’re going to really devote $1 million to it, that’s a lot of public works type of projects,” he said. “Sidewalk is concrete floor work. This is not something that Community Development Office is really organized to do.”
Council members also discussed materials used in repairs, particularly in the city’s historic districts where some original brick-paved and blue stone sidewalks remain.
Barr said sidewalks would generally be replaced in kind.
“If they are existing concrete, we would replace them in kind,” he said. “If they’re existing brick, and particularly in historic districts, we would also replace them in kind.”
Council President Donna Reed stressed the importance of setting fair rules for participation, establishing income guidelines and prioritizing assistance to those with financial needs.
Concerns about contractor oversight were also raised by some council members.
Kelly said the city previously prequalified vendors and paid invoices only after inspections confirmed the work.
“Still, there’s risk involved,” he noted. “You can’t totally mitigate against all risk.”
Council members said discussions will continue as the city prepares its 2026 budget.
Source: Berkshire mont