DELTONA, Fla. — Some Deltona residents are fighting the city's efforts to install new sidewalks into their neighborhoods.
Some residents on Bluestone Drive signed a petition to tell the city that they don't want the sidewalks, but the sidewalk will likely come whether they like it or not.
"None of us want this sidewalk that's useless," resident Cheri Wight said.
Wight has lived on Bluestone for more than 15 years and said they've been just fine without the sidewalk.
"No one will utilize this sidewalk. Why do we need a sidewalk for public safety?" Wight said.
In an email to Channel 9, a city spokesperson said Bluestone is part of a larger $2 million project to add 25 miles of sidewalk during the next two years.
Leaders said they picked almost 50 sections on streets in the city because they're within a mile of elementary and middle schools. Another 17 sections were selected because of their access to residential properties.
City leaders acknowledged the complaints from some residents, but said it won't override the plan to add a safer walking option.
More than 20 people signed the petition because they feel the addition will disrupt their lakeside properties and said they have other issues they'd rather see the city spend money to fix.
"Three of them have reported the drainage and flooding issues every time it rains, but they have the money to spend on sidewalks," Wight said.
Cox Media Group
