The Crumbling Sidewalk Scandal
Taxpayers are fuming as newly laid city cement walks crack and crumble, revealing a lack of oversight on public works contracts.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Contractors engaged in laying cement walks have used an inferior grade of material in certain sections of the city, with the result that the walks are now beginning to crack and crumble away. This charge was made at the meeting of the streets and alleys committee of the council yesterday. It was stated that the sand which was used contains a large percentage of mud, thus causing a very poor sidewalk. Complaints have also been made by the taxpayers, who state that the city officials never inspect the walks, and consequently the specifications are not complied with by the contractors. At this point, the commissioner of public works showed the committee the wisdom of having a sidewalk inspector, whose sole duty would be to look after the sidewalks of the city.
“It was stated that the sand which was used contains a large percentage of mud, thus causing a very poor sidewalk.”
The frustration over 'crumbling' public infrastructure and the demand for better municipal oversight remains a staple of city council meetings in Tacoma and across the country today.
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