A request to waive a requirement to build a sidewalk was supported by the Rapid City Public Works Committee members on Tuesday.  City officials recently moved forward with a plan to install sidewalks after years of allowing developers to bypass the sidewalk requirements for construction projects.

The waiver request comes from Gray Television Inc. which is planning major building additions and site improvements to continue this year, has asked for the variance saying among other things that Skyline Drive is a rural type roadway with ditches and steep side slopes rather than curb, gutter and boulevards, and substantial grading would be required. They say that the sidewalk construction would be more applicable as part of a major roadway reconstruction when additional grading is necessary within the right of way.

Alderwoman Darla Drew said she supports the request

The vote was unanimous in favor of granting the request. A recent report on sidewalk installation recommends six locations to have sidewalks installed at an estimated $3.8-million dollar cost.