Curb Appeal: No Sidewalks Wanted for ‘Oasis Within the City’

Sixteen years have passed since the residents of Lakeside Drive petitioned the city of Royal Oak to be exempt from the sidewalk improvement program. In 1996, Lakeside property owners won their appeal to keep their quaint road free from concrete. However, recently the six properties on Lakeside received notices that the city intends to add new sidewalks to the dirt and gravel cul-de-sac.

“We thought we put this matter to bed 16 years ago, but here we are again repeating ourselves,” said Diane Hargan, a resident of Lakeside.

Joined by neighbors Stan and Serena Sherman and Rosemary and Harold Robinson, Hargan told city officials at that hundreds of majestic trees, rabbits, ducks, heron and deer also call Lakeside home.

“It’s like a small piece of the country in the middle of Royal Oak,” Hargan said.

Years ago, a Lakeside neighbor went to court to make changes to their property, Hargan said. She told commissioners that after visiting Lakeside, Judge Norman Baguley ruled against the neighbor, saying Lakeside was “an oasis within the city.”

Rosemary Robinson said she believes there is no need for a sidewalk. “It does not provide any benefit to citizens of Royal Oak,” she said.

Joggers, dog walkers and sightseers occasionally walk through the neighborhood and comment on the uniqueness and beauty of Lakeside, Hargan said.

"I have yet to hear someone say how nice it would be to have sidewalks to walk on."

Hargan, a bicyclist, also said the road is in good shape and there is no problem riding a bike on it.

Red Run Golf Club petitions, too

Derek Jacques, general manager of also told commissioners Monday that he, too, filed a petition for exemption from adding a new sidewalk along Girard Avenue, which is adjacent to the golf course.

Jacques cited concerns about winter maintenance, aesthetics and safety, saying he was concerned with pedestrians being struck by golf balls.

Interim City Engineer Matt Callahan told commissioners that three property owners have filed petitions to be exempt from new sidewalks.

In keeping with the city’s Master Plan and the recommendations, the is meant to provide and maintain continuous sidewalks that link neighborhoods, schools and community facilities, according to Callahan.

The City Commission determines whether any appeal is granted.

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