Sidewalk conditions

Below is an update on the three sidewalk locations identified in the Council Order.

The concrete panels at the corner of 7th Street and Otis Street that have been lifted up due to the adjacent tree. These panels will be replaced to provide a smooth surface over the tree roots.

This work is scheduled to be completed within 2 weeks.

The sidewalk in front of Citizens Bank at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Temple Street is deteriorated. The primary cause of the deterioration is the limited depth of the concrete over the existing areaway. Areaways are subterranean areas that extend from adjacent buildings under the public right of way. Sometimes these are as simple as abandoned coal shoots or they can be a portion of the building basement that extends under the sidewalk. In the case of Citizens Bank, the basement extends under the sidewalk. Under City Ordinance, the property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the areaways. The City is working with the property owner to have this areaway permanently filled in and abandoned, similar to work that has occurred at 600 Mass. Ave. and 620 Mass. Ave in Central Square, and Curious George in Harvard Square. Once the areaway is properly abandoned, DPW would be able to construct a full depth city standard sidewalk. While the property owner is undertaking the design and bidding associated with abandoning their work, DPW will repair the sidewalk. This work is scheduled to be completed within 2 weeks.

The brick sidewalk adjacent to the Post Office on Mount Auburn Street in Harvard Square was installed when the Post Office was constructed (2000). The bricks used are known as city hall pavers, which was the city standard at the time. City hall pavers tend to be irregular in shape; providing a rougher surface for pedestrians.

Approximately 10 years ago, the Department of Public Works, working with the Historical Commission, the Commission for People with Disabilities and the Community Development Department, updated the brick standard and began using a wire cut brick (Pine Hall Pavers). Wire cut bricks are more regular in shape and provide a smoother walking surface. As brick sidewalks are reconstructed, the new detail is installed. Sidewalk locations are prioritized through the City’s Five Year Plan, www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/fiveyearplan. The adjoining alley is privately owned and the concerns raised about the condition of the bricks has been forwarded to the property owner.