Syracuse's sidewalk snow removal program was approved by the Common Council on Monday.

This now means the city will take responsibility for sidewalks later this year.

In the first year of the program, there will be no cost to property owners. Fees will be introduced on a phased-in basis over the following five years.

Despite its passage, several councilors voted yes begrudgingly. An ongoing concern with the plan is the $100 annual fee charged to homeowners. Though commercial property owners will pay $300 a year, homeowners will be paying the same fee as some larger properties like Syracuse University.

Larger properties will be charged for each sidewalk parcel.

“I don’t agree with the idea that we can’t codify that those protections for people so I will vote to amend as much,” said Syracuse Common Councilor Khalid Bey.

“Sidewalks are for the people, and they are every bit as important to our quality of life and economy as the roads they are next," Mayor Ben Walsh said in a statement. 'From children walking to school to seniors going shopping, the municipal sidewalk maintenance program will benefit all Syracuse residents. In just a few weeks, we will begin doing away with dangerous unwalkable sidewalks in Syracuse. The old complaint-driven system will be replaced by a data-driven, well-planned and executed approach. We will make this City safer and relieve property owners of the burden of high cost sidewalk repairs. I commend the Syracuse Common Council on approving the program.”

Walsh said half a million dollars will be set aside to help homeowners who recently worked on sidewalks, who can't afford it, or were recently condemned and have yet to act.

The city’s chief operating officer, Corey Dunham, said the additional money will be for transitioning into the program, not ongoing funding.

Walsh said the plan was structured to provide homeowners time to plan ahead.

“It’s going to take time, it’s going to take a number of years. We’re not going to be able to do it in one foul swoop. But we’re going to put a system in place that’s going to, over time, get our sidewalks into condition for the way our constituents deserve,” said Walsh.

The first year of the program will be free before gradually increasing until year six.