Sidewalks of Erie

In 2004, CIVITAS began to work to retain existing bronze sidewalk plaques advertising cement companies that existed here in the 1920 when competing businesses advertised their services by marking their work with three to twelve inch markers placed into wet cement. These varied plaques include J. Healy's star-shapes and R.J. McGrath's keystone state markers. As sidewalks have been repaired or replaced, many of these markers have been discarded. CIVITAS initiated the effort to reinsert these historic markers into the newly poured concrete. On November 12, 2004 at Landmark Square, the Valvala Concrete Construction Company poured a new sidewalk and Mayor Rick Filippi ceremoniously replaced one of the historic "James Stewart" markers on Pearce Park. At the November 24, 2004, City Council meeting, members unanimously voted to support Councilwoman Jessica Horan-Kunco's resolution to promote the Historic Sidewalk Medallion Preservation Initiative. In future, the city zoning office will distribute a CIVITAS handout encouraging the reinstallation of these historic markers and will send a letter to known sidewalk contractors encouraging reinsertion of the markers. In addition, all City sidewalk replacement contracts will direct workers to reinsert these markers into the newly poured sidewalks. During the summer of 2005, CIVITAS continued to encourage and monitor the preservation of the markers through phone calls, emails, visits and press events.