More Work for Taxpayers as City of Savannah Cuts Back

We have some good news and maybe a little bad news.   
The good news first, with a bad economy, the City of Savannah is trying to hold taxes. 
The bad news is in some cases that may mean a little more work for you.
You know that part of your property between the sidewalk and the street that you haven’t had to worry about?
Well, fire up the lawn mower.  Here’s News Three Community Reporter Alice Massimi. 

In the dog days of summer, yard work’s not something all of us look forward to…now you have a little more to do.
“Really you are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, meaning picking up litter and then right past the sidewalk between the street and the sidewalk is something called the sidewalk lawn which is what we are in right now,” you now get to mow that explains Bret Bell of the City of Savannah.
It’s actually always been your job but the city’s just been doing you a favor, a favor that has cost nearly half a million tax dollars every year.
“It’s an existing ordinance. It’s been on the books for a long time. it says a property owner is responsible for maintaining the property all the way up to the street,” says Bell.
That means on the sidewalk and the grass area between the sidewalk and the street you get to pick up litter, debris and cut the grass.
You don’t have to worry about the trees; the city still takes care of those.
To help people understand exactly what is involved in sidewalk lawn maintenance the city is handing putting brochures on your doorways.
“You should see it as an extension of your property. If it looks good than your property looks good and that increases your property value. It increases the attractiveness of your neighborhood.”
It may seem like a pain but it really doesn’t take that much time. In fact you probably could have done it in the same amount of time it’s taken me to tell you about it.

Here’s something neat we learned, if you would like a tree planted in your sidewalk lawn the city will do it for free, just call 3-1-1. It’s also the best place to call if you have any more questions about your sidewalk lawn.