Street and sidewalk improvements for 2009 were approved by the Austin City Council Tuesday night.

The improvements were the result of feasibility reports conducted to determine what needs to be upgraded, explained assistant city engineer Steven Lang.

Informational hearings were held at city hall Feb. 11, and Tuesday was the last opportunity for public comment before the projects were given the stamp of approval.

Many residents attended the public hearings Tuesday, with several voicing disapproval or support for projects.

Each side of a street is assessed 25 percent for improvements and the city picks up 50 percent. For residents who live on corners, they pay the average of both sides. Assessment hearings are scheduled for March 16.

19th Avenue Southwest (Fourth Drive to 12th Street by Southgate Elementary)

This project will include: removing asphalt pavement; curb and gutter spot repairs; new drainage tile; pedestrian ramps at intersections; upgrading sidewalks; new storm water sewer main; improved drainage at Fourth Drive intersection; new sanitary sewer from Fourth Drive to Eighth Street; and replace deficient sewer manholes from Ninth to 12th Streets.

Katheryn Ewing, who lives on 19th Avenue, said she is concerned for children who walk to school at Southgate and do not have sidewalks.

“The kids have to walk on the road,” she said. “All the elementary schools have sidewalks that lead directly to the school — we don’t.”

Another resident, Walt Alms, said he and several neighbors are not opposed to the street project; however, they do not want a sidewalk constructed.

“If I thought it was a concern, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Alms said residents who are walking in the neighborhood do not use sidewalks when they are available — they just walk on the streets anyway.

The council voted to approve improvements; however, they opted to table the new sidewalk on 19th Avenue.

Estimated assessments: $36 per linear foot of frontage at the residential rate; $10.50 per linear foot of frontage for curb and gutter where it doesn’t currently exist; $95-$100 per panel of 4-inch sidewalk; and $110-$115 per panel for 6-inch sidewalk.

16th Avenue Northeast (11th Drive to 14th Street in the industrial park)

This project will include: rubbilize the existing concrete pavement in place; overlay pavement and shoulders with approximately 4 inches of bituminous pavement; new street width of 36 to 40 feet; curb and gutter constructed adjacent to Corporate Graphics to improve drainage; cleaned and regraded ditch on north side; shallow swale constructed on south side to serve as ditch; and catch basins and shallow storm sewer.

Estimated assessments: $51.50 per linear foot of frontage at the commercial rate for reconstruction; $17.50 per linear foot of frontage at the commercial rate for mill and overlay; and $10.50 per linear foot of frontage for curb and gutter where is doesn’t currently exist.

Sterling/fairgrounds area (Ninth and 11th Street Southwest and Second, Sixth and Seventh Avenue Southwest)

This project will include: remove asphalt pavement and concrete pavement; narrow 11th Street to limit tree removal and narrow Ninth Street to confined right-of-way; install drainage tile; upgrade sidewalks; construct pedestrian ramps; upgrade catch basins and clay sewers; new sanitary sewer trunk line from intersection of 14th Street and Second Avenue to 11th Street and Sixth Avenue; patch sidewalk and curb replacement on Seventh Avenue; overlay existing asphalt on Seventh Avenue; and extensive watermain replacement on Seventh Avenue.

Estimated assessments: $36 per linear foot of frontage at the residential rate; $10 per linear foot of frontage for residential mill and overlay; $10.50 per linear foot of frontage for curb and gutter where it doesn’t currently exist; $95-$100 per panel of 4-inch sidewalk; and $110-$115 per panel of 6-inch sidewalk.

Post office area (First, Second and Third Street Southeast and Second, third and Fourth Avenue Southeast)

This project will include: remove asphalt pavement and replace pavement curb and gutter; install drainage tile; contract new sewer main, catch basins and laterals on First and Second Streets; extensive sewer lining and manhole replacement on First Street; spot repairs to sanitary sewer in other areas; widen Third Street to 34 feet; and widen Fourth Street to 34 feet.

Estimated assessments: $36 per linear foot of frontage at the residential rate; $51.50 per linear foot of frontage at the commercial rate; $10.50 per linear foot of frontage for curb and gutter where it doesn’t currently exist; $95-$100 per panel of 4-inch sidewalk; and $110-$115 per panel of 6-inch sidewalk.