By McKenzie Misiaszek

In March 2024, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones launched Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4, an ambitious initiative to build 50 miles of sidewalks within one year. The goal was to ensure these sidewalks weren’t just paths, but also safe connections that enable thousands of residents to get to school, work, doctor’s appointments, and places of worship.

This month, Precinct 4 is celebrating the one-year anniversary and completion of the first 50 miles of sidewalks. Throughout the past 12 months, residents have shared inspiring stories of how these sidewalks have changed their lives. Here are just three of those stories.

A safe path to the store

Every morning, Malcolm Allicock sets out for his daily walk to the convenience store. Before Precinct 4 added a sidewalk, Malcolm, who is blind, had to carefully navigate a worn grassy path along a busy street with only his cane to guide him.

When Commissioner Briones heard Malcolm’s story, she knew the Precinct 4 team could help. Soon after, Precinct 4 installed a new ADA-compliant sidewalk in place of the hazardous path Malcolm — and others — once relied on.

“I don’t have to worry about where I’m stepping now,” said Malcolm. “It’s a whole new experience.”

A safe path to the bus

Delina Rugel, along with nearly 300 other seniors, are no longer walking in the street to get to the METRO bus stop near their apartment complex. When Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 began, the area was identified as a prime place for a new path — perfectly situated near a bus stop, apartment complexes, and two schools.

Precinct 4 added a half mile of new sidewalk in 2024. Now, Delina and her neighbors have a safe path to the bus and their local grocery stores.

“The sidewalks have been a blessing,” said Delina. “We are all grateful to the gentlemen who came to build them. They were kind and extremely patient with us. These people worked in the sun, in the rain, with everything.”

A safe path to school

Gabrielle Brown takes the school bus to and from her high school, but sometimes she stays late or goes to the elementary school nearby to mentor students. When she can’t take the bus, she walks home through the grass. Usually, that isn’t a problem for her, but when it's raining, she’s forced to walk in the street to avoid losing a shoe to the mud or slipping and falling.

Since Precinct 4 added sidewalks near her home and high school, she’s been able to stay out of the road.

“I don't have to worry about these things that seem small but improve my life and the lives of people who don't have the privileges I have,” said Gabrielle. “Maybe someone isn't walking the best. Maybe someone is older. Maybe someone is walking with children. They don't have to face these things. I think all their lives have improved.”