Councilmember John Lee officially launched a new pilot program, Street S.M.A.R.T. (Street Maintenance and Repair Team), in Granada Hills on July 21 that aims to fast-track long-overdue sidewalk repairs throughout the Northwest San Fernando Valley with an initial investment of $200,000.
For years, many neighborhood sidewalks in the area have gone untouched – cracked, lifted and hazardous – despite repeated requests for repairs. Due to limited funding and rigid prioritization protocols, countless smaller-scale repairs have been delayed indefinitely.
But by deploying small crews directly funded through the Council District 12 office, the program will take on localized sidewalk repairs that would otherwise remain at the bottom of the city’s backlog. The goal is to deliver results faster, more affordably and with greater responsiveness to community needs.
“This isn’t just about fixing broken sidewalks – it’s about fixing a broken process,” said Lee. “Residents shouldn’t have to wait decades for basic repairs.
“We can spend pennies today to save dollars tomorrow,” Lee added. “Street S.M.A.R.T. gives us the flexibility to address long-standing issues directly and efficiently, in turn reducing trip hazards, lowering long-term costs and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
In addition to sidewalk repairs, Street S.M.A.R.T. will also tackle smaller public works projects like tree stump removals and other overlooked maintenance issues that often fall through the cracks of larger city programs.