DALTON, Mass. — Sidewalks have been a widely discussed topic for over a year because of the large number that need repair.

 

The town has been discussing repairs with residents since before the last town meeting when voters approved adding $10,000 to the budget for that purpose.  

 

During a May town meeting, voters will vote on two warrant articles on the topic. 

 

One proposes the purchase of a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money but is using asphalt rather than concrete. 

 

During a meeting in February, Highway Superintendent Edward "Bud" Hall suggested that the town consider investing in a $64,600 sidewalk paver to save money and time. 

 

Hall would use the equipment to pave or repair sidewalks using asphalt instead of concrete because it is cheaper but  also has a shorter lifespan.

 

Concrete sidewalks take longer and have a higher cost, Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator Alyssa Maschino said during the ADA Committee meeting on Monday. 

 

Using asphalt instead of concrete allows for quicker sidewalk repair and paving so that Hall could pave or repair more of them, Maschino said. 

 

The machine would also replace failing concrete sidewalks with asphalt ones. 

 

Selectman Robert Bishop Jr. reiterated this on Monday during the Select Board meeting, stating that if the town uses concrete instead of asphalt, it will not be able to pave as many sidewalks. 

 

The other article recommends amending the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks, Maschino said. 

 

The article was added to the proposed warrant by a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan. More information on the petition here. 

 

During the Select Board meeting on Monday, Vice Chair Dan Esko noted that if voters approve amending the bylaw, the town will not need a sidewalk paver. 

 

While exploring the cost and construction methods of sidewalks, Logan said he discovered that although asphalt is cheaper in the short term, concrete sidewalks cost the same or less in the long term. 

 

He argued that concrete sidewalks "provide better safety, walkability, and year-round accessibility than asphalt." 

 

In addition, it is the preferred sidewalk material by state agencies, he said in his petition. 

 

"The lifespan of concrete is up to 50 years, whereas the maximum lifespan is 20 on pavement pavement," committee member Patrick Pettit said. 

 

He informed committee members that although asphalt is cheaper and quicker, if there is a heavy frost and then fast thaw, the sidewalks will start to "roll," becoming uneven. 

 

"[Concrete is] more expensive. It takes longer, but it will last two and a half times longer. Versus pavement, you can do something in probably a quarter of the time in the area or maybe even faster, and it's much cheaper," Pettit said.

 

"But the unfortunate part is, in five years, it could be already rolling. It could become a hazard quicker than concrete." 

 

Pavement moves, but concrete has a steel mesh that stabilizes it, he said. 

 

If a section of pavement is uneven and the rest of the sidewalk is in good condition, that section can be lifted and repaved.

 

However, he said, "If you're not doing a smooth joint" running the length of the sidewalk, there will be breakpoints that could shift. 

 

Logan argued in his petition that old, intact concrete slabs can be lifted and leveled instead of replaced, saving on repair costs.