Parents at Almeda Elementary worry about a lack of sidewalks

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston isn't exactly known for its well-maintained sidewalks, but parents who spoke to ABC13 say what their kids face outside their elementary school is downright dangerous.

The parents said their kids go to Almeda Elementary on Almeda-School Road in southwest Houston and explained the pedestrian options around the school feel unsafe.

The nonprofit transportation advocacy group Link Houston estimates that only about 57% of Houston streets have sidewalks, and 39% of those are rated fair or poor.

In fact, the city only started requiring sidewalks in residential areas in 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act passed. Neighborhoods built in the 1960s or 70s are less likely to have sidewalks.

Today, Houston homeowners are responsible for building and maintaining sidewalks in front of their homes. Homeowners without sidewalks can ask the city for an exemption or pay a fee.

For sidewalks near schools, the city can use funding to build them, but residents have to contact the city to request them.

Parents around Almeda Elementary told ABC13 they can't believe safety isn't a higher priority.

"I really think it's unsafe; that's why my kids get picked up," parent Amari Dixon said.

"I don't feel it's safe," parent Maria Sanchez explained. "There are a lot of huge cars around here; there's a commercial area around there."

This afternoon, I called the District K councilwoman's office about the situation at Almeda Elementary.

When Eyewitness News called the District K councilwoman's office about Almeda Elementary, a spokesperson said Houston Public Works would go to the school to clean up overgrown grass and shrubs along the sidewalks. They did not provide a firm date or timeline for when the area's sidewalk system could be expanded.