Walnut : Sidewalk Construction OKd

Despite concerns about setting a costly precedent, the City Council last week agreed to pay for sidewalk construction along Regal Canyon Drive south of Amar Road.

The council voted 4 to 1, with Mayor Bert Ashley dissenting, to award a bid of up to $20,000 to build the sidewalks along the eastern side of Regal Canyon, a twisting, sloping street in a largely rural area near Mt. San Antonio Community College.

Nearly a dozen residents of the area argued for sidewalks on both sides of the street. But City Manager Linda Holmes estimated that would cost $40,000 to $45,000.

Other residents said developers should pay for sidewalk construction. The Planning Commission is studying the number of streets that lack sidewalks and whether the city is responsible for building them.