Eleven months after Brookwood Elementary School fourth grader Duke Ommert was killed while riding his e-scooter — prompting heartfelt pleas from parents for safer streets — the Leawood City Council is preparing to discuss a recommendation not to install sidewalks on Brookwood’s nearest residential streets.
The reason: Overwhelming opposition by the neighbors along those streets who, under the city’s sidewalk policy, would be charged for the sidewalk installation and expected to shovel and maintain it. Many were also concerned about the number of mature trees that would have to be removed.
Because of that opposition, city staff recommended that sidewalks not be included in the 2027 residential street reconstruction program. After a sometimes emotional public hearing Sept. 2, the city’s public works committee, which includes volunteer members as well as city councilmembers, went along with that recommendation…