50/50 Residential Sidewalk/Curb Program
About the Program
The 50/50 Curb & Sidewalk Program was established to assist property owners with curb and sidewalk improvements that have not yet been funded through traditional programs. This allows owners to make improvements to the front of their properties without waiting.
How it Works
Complete the application.
Upon receipt, DPW will forward the application to the City Clerk's office for approval so that it can be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the Board of Mayor and Alderman (BMA).
Once approved, the resident will receive a letter from DPW with notification of BMA approval and the City's estimate for the proposed work.
Determining the Cost
After approval, the Department of Public Works representative will visit the site, take measurements, and produce a construction estimate based on the current unit prices. This estimate is done at no cost or obligation to the Homeowner.
Hiring a Contractor
The resident will hire a contractor and provide an estimate to submit for review. This estimate must have costs broken down into sidewalk/curb work within the City's right of way and any other work outside the program boundaries.
The City will reimburse up to 50% of our estimate. If your contractor's estimate is higher than the City's estimate, you will only be reimbursed 50% of the City's estimate. If your contractor's estimate is lower than the City's estimate, you will be reimbursed 50% of the contractor's estimate.
There are additional steps to ensure the contractor is permitted to do work within the City right-of-way and produces a final product that complies with City Standards.
- The contractor must have up-to-date bonds and insurance with the City of Manchester and provide documentation.
- The contractor must obtain an excavation permit to work within the City's right-of-way. The excavation permit fee is waived for 50/50 Projects.
- The contractor shall complete all work in accordance with the City of Manchester Stand Specifications.
- The contractor must notify the DPW Engineering Division before asphalt or concrete is implemented so the gravel base can be inspected.
- The contractor or property owner shall notify DPW Engineering Division once the sidewalk is complete to inspect it for compliance with the City of Manchester Standard Specifications.
- The property owner is responsible for ensuring the contractor complies with the abovementioned requirements. Non-compliant sidewalks will not receive reimbursement.
Requesting Reimbursement
The property owner must pay the contractor in full and submit a copy of the paid, signed, and dated bill to the Engineering Division in care of the Department of Public Works, 475 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103, or by emailing a scanned copy to DPW_Engineering@manchesternh.gov.
The City will process the payment, and the property can expect reimbursement within a few months.
Program Policies
Financial contributions from the City to property owners for sidewalk and curb construction are only available through the 50-50 Program.
This program is only available for constructing or reconstructing curbs and sidewalks immediately along the frontage of properties exclusively within the City of Manchester. This program is not available for work outside the City’s right of way.
When sidewalk construction requires a retaining wall, the homeowner is responsible for its cost and construction. The wall must be completed before sidewalk construction can begin. The retaining wall should be built so that no part encroaches on the City’s right of way.
Asphalt curb is not available through this program. Under the 50-50 Program, all work is subject to rigorous inspection by a professional engineer, ensuring it meets the City's Standard Specifications.
This program does not satisfy conditions set forth by the City, such as site Plan approval, Subdivision approval, Zoning Board approval, etc.
The program depends on available funding, seasonal contracts, and materials pricing.