By Dave Hofmeister
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Question: People here in Madeira who have sidewalks are expected to maintain them. But not all homes in Madeira have sidewalks, and yet all are taxed at the same rate. I consider sidewalks a public utility, just as streets are. Is there anything we can do about this? Is the cost of upkeep tax-deductible?

June Clark, Madeira

Answer: Some cities share the expense of sidewalk repair and replacement with residents, or cover the cost completely, but that's not the case in Madeira, said Tom Moeller, the city manager.

City Council decided in 1973 that the cost would be borne solely by residents. Moeller pointed out that sidewalks are beneficial for property owners, and most people just accept the cost of maintaining them.

He said sidewalk repairs typically cost $5 to $6 per square foot; each sidewalk square would cost $100-$120 to replace.

The city has a list of contractors who do such work. To get the names, call 561-7228.About the tax deduction: There is no immediate tax break for an expense like this, said Lance Cox, an attorney and tax adviser in Cherry Grove. However, you should keep records of the expenses, as they can be added to the "basis" for your home, which is used to calculate any tax liability when you sell it. .

Q: I would like to know why there is not a left turn signal at Elick Lane and Ohio 32 for the drivers coming off Elick Lane. The intersection is a problem.

Bill Nichols, Union Township, Clermont County.

A: Relief is on the way, said Ron Mosby, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Transportation's office in Lebanon.

People who try to make a left turn from Elick onto westbound Ohio 32 sometimes face frustrating delays because, although there is a left-turn lane, there is no green arrow.

The problem has grown worse now that Bach-Buxton Road runs from Ohio 125 to Elick, just south of the intersection at Ohio 32. With subdivisions blossoming along Bach-Buxton, the traffic entering Ohio 32 has grown dramatically.

Clermont County Engineer Pat Monger said further improvements to the intersection are likely in 2004, including the left-turn signals. Elick must be widened just north of the intersection, next to the Shell station, and Monger said easements must be obtained before the project can move forward. He said the county is partnering with businesses in the area to get the project done.

Q: The intersection of Columbus-Cincinnati Road (U.S. 42) and Butler-Warren Road is a nightmare to negotiate from any direction. The intersection is at an odd angle and there have been many auto accidents there. It would seem that a traffic signal should be an immediate priority at this intersection.

William Higdon, West Chester

A: Truly, this is an intersection to avoid, especially if you are driving on Butler-Warren Road.

Ron Mosby, ODOT spokesman, said a traffic signal is in the works, but did not have an exact date for installation.

Until the light is installed, drivers on Butler-Warren who'd rather not take risks can enter U.S. 42 by several other roads. If you are driving south on Butler-Warren, turn left on Barrett Road, which has a traffic light where it crosses U.S. 42. If you're northbound on Butler-Warren, turn left on West Chester Road, which also has a signal at U.S. 42.

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