Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola today announced that the Town Board took a step forward on the issue of sidewalk repairs by unanimously approving the elimination of sidewalk repair permit fees for homeowners.  In addition to the cost of actual repair, property owners previously paid the Town of Oyster Bay a permitting fee of $100 per 100 linear feet.  The permitting fee will no longer be collected. Councilman Labriola stated, “We recognize that sidewalk maintenance provides significant benefits to the community while maintaining a safe and useable infrastructure throughout our communities.  To remove barriers and financial burdens placed on property owners, the Town Board voted unanimously to eliminate the permit fee related to repairing damaged residential sidewalks.  This fee waiver will help enhance the quality of our communities through proper sidewalk maintenance while no longer burdening residents.” The law approved by the Town Board still requires a permit for work but waives fees if the applicant is an individual who owns or resides at the residential premises for which a permit for the construction or repair of sidewalks is being sought. “We understand that homeowners are stretched thin, and that’s why we are making every effort to protect your wallet, added Supervisor Joseph Saladino.  From putting $2.6 million back in the pockets of residents through a property tax cut to now eliminating fees for sidewalk repair, this Town Board is keeping taxpayer’s first-and-foremost in our minds.”