Sidewalk Infelicities, Exhibits 8-12

This is my second collection of "sidewalk infelicities."

What is a sidewalk infelicity? Well, since sidewalks should be continuous, well defined, unobstructed, safe and efficient in giving pedestrians access to places, anything that violates these criteria is what I'm calling an infelicity.

Check out the first collection--exhibits 1--here.

Have you spotted a sidewalk infelicity in Athens? Tell me where it is, and send a photo if possible.

Exhibit 8: Near 1638 Prince Ave.

The sidewalk on the north side of Prince Ave. extending from Boulevard Heights ends here. Matt Elliot explains why this is a problem: it makes "foot travel hazardous for folks living on Sylvia Circle, Winfield Chase Apts., and points westward."

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Exhibit 9:  Near Intersection of Prince Ave. and Pounds St.

No sidewalk to be found here even though there's a bus stop, and a well-worn foot path to it.

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Exhibit 10: 1650 Prince Ave.

The rendering (in photo at right) of the new local Social Security Administration building being constructed here shows a sidewalk in front of the completed project. That would be an improvement.

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Exhibit 11: Near 1684 Prince Ave.

This short strips of sidewalk near the intersection with Sylvia Circle ends just past Edward Jones Investment on the north side of Prince Ave.

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Exhibit 12: 1686 Prince Ave.

A driveway into Jack Waldrip Real Estate on the north side of Prince Ave connects with the street, but assertively blocks the pedestrian path.

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Comments

[Janet Geddis]

I'm with M. McAKenzie. I've noticed all of those same spots (and have even shortened my exercise walks due to these veritable dead ends).

[M. McAKenzie]

You're psychic! We walk our dog all around the west end of Boulevard, Prince Ave, Oglethorpe, etc. and you're nailing all of the most vexing areas.

It has occurred to me that Athens might be courting a whopping ADA lawsuit if it doesn't have a coherent plan for improving sidewalks and crosswalks along busy corridors like Prince Ave. That bus stop is a prime example.The first time an elderly or disabled resident gets clobbered trying to get off a bus, the city might wish it had addressed the problem sooner.