Sidewalk Replacement Program

The City of Princeton encourages residents to participate in the Sidewalk Replacement Program. The City repairs and replaces sidewalks on a cost-sharing basis. For residential sidewalks, the City pays 50 percent and the resident pays 50 percent. The 50/50 Program provides property owners with an opportunity to replace defective public sidewalks in front of their property for half of the total cost. Sidewalks that qualify typically are rated in poor to fair condition. Sidewalks in good condition typically will not qualify for the program. This program is administered on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted. Funds are received on an annual basis (May 1 – April 30). Only one reimbursement per family, per year will be allowed.

Streets are maintained by the City, but the repair and replacement of damaged sidewalk slabs are the responsibility of the homeowner or business whose property is adjacent to the sidewalk. To help with that responsibility, the City of Princeton offers property owners the opportunity to improve the appearance and safety of their homes and neighborhoods with the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program.

How does the program work?

Under the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program the City pays half the cost of replacing the eligible sidewalk with the property owner paying the other 50 percent. The program covers all public sidewalks in the City in front of homes.

What does it cost?

Sidewalks vary in width and length and prices change annually. The best estimate is done on site.

What sidewalk is covered?

Main sidewalk that is deteriorated is eligible for the 50/50 cost sharing. Private lead walks extending from the street curb to the main sidewalk and private service walks extending from the main walk to the home are the sole responsibility of the owner. The City assumes the total cost for replacement of the “key” areas of an intersection where the sidewalk extends to the street corner.

Am I obligated to participate?

Not yet. After the on-site inspection, the property owners can either chose to participate in the program by paying their share of the cost to the City or decline to participate by not responding.

After receiving a notice granting eligibility, what is the deadline for the money?

The City works on a fiscal year that runs May 1st to April 30th. The City has to have all work completed by the end of the fiscal year (April 30th). In order to ensure the work is completed by the end of the fiscal year, the last day the City will accept money is March 15th of each year. However, the funds are limited, and the program could be closed before March 15th. It then reopens for another season on May 1st.

When will they start working on my sidewalk?

Sidewalk replacement will not be scheduled until the property owner pays the share of the cost. After the City receives the property owner’s share, the City typically will begin work on the sidewalk within 30 days.

What are the methods of payment?

Should residents choose to participate, they have the option to pay by check, cash, or credit card. Checks may be sent to:

City of Princeton
2 S. Main St.
Princeton, IL 61356

Will the city repair driveway approaches or aprons?

No. While driveway approaches or aprons are in the public right-of-way, they are the sole responsibility of the property owner.

Will the City replace curbs?

No. Curb replacement is not eligible under the 50/50 Sidewalk Program.

Can I do the repairs myself?

The City discourages residents from doing the work themselves because the work must be compliant with state and local city codes. If property owners want to use their own contractor, they can but they must use a bonded/licensed sidewalk contractor approved by the City. In addition, property owners are responsible for 100 percent of the cost of the sidewalk replacement and will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred by the sidewalk replacement.

What is the procedure for participation?

1. The applicant completes and submits the request form.
2. The City accepts or declines the request and notifies the applicant.
3. If the City accepts the request, the City of Princeton provides the cost of the project to the applicant, using pricing from the annual sidewalk contract that is bid by the City to a private contractor.
4. The applicant then decides whether to proceed. Work will not be scheduled until payment is received.

A City inspector will evaluate your sidewalk to see if it qualifies. One of the following conditions must exist:

• Walks must be sunken or risen to a height difference of one inch or more between sections.
• Broken and separated into three or more pieces.
• 40 percent or more of the surface deteriorated.

If you have any additional questions please contact City Hall at 815-875-2631 or email [email protected].

Application for Sidewalk Replacement Program

If you are having difficulty viewing this PDF file, you may need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader.