The City Council of Richmond Hill last night approved a bid for the city’s sidewalk project, a system of sidewalks connecting neighborhoods to schools, parks and retail establishments. The construction work, which will begin later this month, was awarded to Jerry D. Rushing Construction Company, Inc. 

“It has been a long term objective of the Richmond Hill City Council to improve the aesthetics of the city,” said Russ Carpenter, City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. “By improving the walkability of our neighborhoods, we will begin to create a live-work-play community.” 

The project came about as a result of a needs assessment completed earlier this year, which identified the areas with a “gap in service” related to the provision of sidewalks and pedestrian connectivity to critical destinations in the city. Once complete, the system of sidewalks will connect Richmond Hill Plantation, Turtle Hill, Melrose, Cherokee, Brisbon Hall, Sterling Creek Plantation, Piercefield Forest, Main Street, Ashton Apartments, Plantation Apartments and other residential areas to school, recreation park, grocery store, shopping and other pedestrian destinations on Timber Trail, Harris Trail, Highway 144 and Highway 17.  

The project, to be funded with $400,000 in SPLOST funds reserved specifically for sidewalks by City Council, consists of the following: 

● An 8-foot wide concrete sidewalk along Timber Trail and Harris Trail to connect the ballfields to Richmond Hill High School;

● A 6-foot wide concrete sidewalk to be installed along Casey Drive in order to allow for pedestrian connectivity to Piercefield Forest subdivision and Plantation Apartments;

● An 8-foot wide concrete sidewalk along Harris Trail from the Main Street subdivision to Highway 17;

● An 8-foot wide gravel path along Sterling Creek off of Timber Trail; and

● Associated grading and drainage improvements. 

“My main concern has been safety for the youngest residents of Richmond Hill. However, walkable neighborhoods benefit all citizens,” said Mayor Harold Fowler. “Residents in such neighborhoods tend to get more physical activity; businesses benefit from local customers and property values increase faster; and there is an enhanced sense of connection due to greater interaction among neighbors.”