Is it normal to have the people who are directly touching the sidewalk be the only people assessed for the cost? You'd think that would be spread out across the entire community. Especially since apparently the construction of the sidewalk might require them to relinquish some of their property. In the US you are responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of your residence of snow etc, so it's also extra liability. It's very sad, but I can totally see how this approach is potentially unfair to the people who would be on the hook for this, seeing as the entire community would benefit but only a small percent would be paying for it.