Suburbs

The question of sidewalks and who is responsible for their repair was part of this week’s coverage, a story borne out of Millington but expanded to see how all of the suburbs in Shelby County handle the matter.

The answer is — it varies.

With suburban reporters Michael Waddell and Abigail Warren inquiring about the situation, there is little consistent about dealing with the cracking and shaling of concrete paths attached to residences.

We’ve all seen such situations. The whole sidewalk panel is pushed up for a neighborhood bike ramp by an old oak tree whose roots have spread. Or the aging fissures that lead to grass fighting its way through the openings.

Should Bermuda grass grow that much better through a break in concrete than on a treated front yard?

Some cities like Germantown and Bartlett tie such repairs to home sales. A house goes on the market, and the inspector comes calling. Germantown used to just rely on complaints and then ask the homeowners to fix it. Bartlett’s ordinance has been in place for about 20 years.

Officials acknowledge the home-sales approach provides more of a routine inspection of the sidewalk repairs. They also will still check out a spot if someone complains.

Collierville follows the complaint-generated inspection rather than using a home-sales approach to start the process.

Lakeland doesn’t rely on home sales either. The city basically depends on Katrina Shields, code-enforcement officer, to check out the sidewalks as she drives around on her regular duties.

Every homeowner will like the Arlington approach: The town takes care of sidewalks. The rest of the suburbs leave the responsibility for fixing your sidewalk to you.

That brings us full circle to Millington. This question started because Samantha Pool suddenly got notice earlier this month that she needed to fix her sidewalk.

Her reaction was: Why me?

Well, it seems there’s a 40-year-old ordinance in Millington regarding sidewalk repairs and responsibility. For Pool, it wasn’t that she was buying the house. She has owned it about four years. And when she bought it, no agent said anything about sidewalks — or repairs.

Until now.

The city under the administration of Mayor Larry Dagen, elected in 2024, is enforcing the old ordinance, and Pool got caught up in the new attention. City Manager Frankie Dakin told Waddell stronger code enforcement has been one of the top priorities, along with a fully staffed and resourced police and fire department, since he was appointed city manager in August 2024.

And for Pool, it is a double problem. She is on a corner lot, which means a sidewalk on two sides.

Pool had until today to address the issue. - Suburbs editor Clay Bailey

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