On Tuesday, August 10, Drake Construction began the installation of the new sidewalk on Dows Street. This sidewalk is the continuation of the pavement that was placed from Leslie Drive to Main Avenue as part of the "Safe Routes to School" grant initiative that occurred from 2014 to 2018. This time, the sidewalk is completely funded by the City of Garretson.
In 2018, the council set up a property frontage surcharge with the sole goal of improving and installing sidewalks, crack sealing, and other street maintenance around Garretson.
Earlier this year, the fund had enough monies to begin repair and installation of sidewalks. Mayor Greg Beaner proposed a sidewalk committee, and appointed council members Tom Godbey and Greg Franka. The two council members were tasked to prioritize which sidewalks in town needed placement and replacement, remaining within the confines of the $35,000 budget allotted.
They proposed finishing Dows Street first, as many residents like to walk to the businesses in the Dows Street and Highway 11 area, and a significant number of youth head to school along that route.
Due to the railroad, having the sidewalk go all the way from Main Avenue to Highway 11 was not financially feasible at this time, but the sidewalk fund did have enough to complete Main to Railroad Avenue. Drake Construction's bid came in the lowest, at $33,001.20, and in July, the council gave the approval to move ahead on the project.
