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Neighbors Shocked When City Takes Portion Of Yard For Sidewalk

DENVER (CBS4) - Thursday afternoon, residents discovered that the city of Denver had drawn lines in what they thought was their front yard. As it turns out, they're planning to build ADA-compliant ramps, and the property doesn't belong to the neighbors.

The Department Of Public Works is building ADA-compliant curb ramps throughout Denver, mandated by the federal government.

"Anytime we go out and we improve a roadway, we are required to also install those ramps so that the road is accessible for everybody," said Heather Burke of Denver Public Works.

But on East Lehigh, neighbor Debra Kreisberg said she was blindsided Thursday, especially when she was told that work would begin Friday, before her questions could be answered.

"I said, that's absolutely unacceptable. I don't know anything about this, you're coming in to my property," Kreisberg said.

ADA-compliant sidewalk ramp
(credit: CBS)

Public Works said they are installing the ramps only on city property. They agreed to decrease the size of the ramp and move it over; in part onto what Janice Schneider thought was her property.

"It was kind of a shock to find out we don't own it, even though we pay property taxes on it," said Schneider.

Both neighbors say they want ADA improvements, but feel that these ramps won't accomplish that because they are too narrow to hold wheelchairs.

"That's complete insanity because actually you're encouraging people to use dangerous sidewalks, and there's a huge liability issue," said Kreisberg.

Public Works also said there are plans to repave this road, but not to widen the sidewalks.

sidewalk fight2
(credit: CBS)

"This ramp is not only for people in wheelchairs. It's for people with a variety of disabilities," Burke said.

They said they are happy to work with concerned neighbors to try to find a solution.

These neighbors say it's too late.

"It's really shocking," Kreisberg said.

The city does have to give 48 hours' notice before they can begin work. Residents got the notices Friday, and the work is scheduled to begin Monday.

Residents say they are considering a lawsuit.

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