Anyone Use the NYC DOT Expedited Sidewalk Repair Option? vs. Private Pricing?

Everyone on my block received a notice of violations for sidewalks.

Our two-family property’s inspection defect map marked the majority of sidewalk flags as possibly damaged by tree roots “which [if so] would be at no cost if the city makes the repairs”.

Has anyone used the city’s Expedited Sidewalk Repair option, where the DOT takes care of all the paperwork and fixes the defects, and then the City sends you a bill for the cost of the work? No further inspection or dismissal request is required.

Also they list different pricing for this service in different documents from $15-$22 per square foot for 4″ sidewalk. Is that in line with private contractors?

Thanks.

brooklyntarbeach

in General Discussion 7 years and 10 months ago

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brooklyntarbeach | 7 years and 10 months ago

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16 months and counting? Well the literature stated the repair would be done within 90 days after processing the request. They just haven’t processed it yet.

One neighbor (so far) already changed their mind after “hearing” that the City’s contractors use the lowest grade low psi (aka quickly cracking) concrete. So guess the block won’t match after all.

BSDOD | 7 years and 10 months ago

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Lol. I also signed up for expedited repairs. Still waiting to hear back.

daveinbedstuy | 7 years and 10 months ago

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This may take a while since the City is now busy involved in assessing the appropriateness of certain statues including, but not limited to, the one of Christopher Columbus at Colombus Circle.

boredatwork | 7 years and 10 months ago

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I went this route, too, after I was served a notice of violation for sidewalk issues. Since some are caused by a street tree, those repairs are on the City’s dime, and I am happy to let them do all the work. But almost 16 months after responded to the NoV, crickets from the City.

My insurance company found the violation, and asked me to correct, but after I sent them a copy of my reply to the City and request to have them repair, they were satisfied.

From what I know, let the City do it all.

brooklyntarbeach | 7 years and 10 months ago

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Thank you for sharing your experiences. It seems most of my neighbors are going with the City’s contractors as well. Besides the ease of no paperwork and no re-inspection, I think many are hoping that sidewalk flags adjacent to trees, or hosting fire hydrants and street-sign poles will all be approved to be subtracted from the eventual bill.

resident2 | 7 years and 10 months ago

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Go with the City contractors. If you go private you will still need the City to sign off on it and that very rarely happens and you end up having the City redo it at your expense all over again!
When the City serves the whole block, it normally means that they want to make the whole block uniform. They cannot out right tell you this because you all have individual property rights etc. But they want the block uniform, don’t fight it.

workisfun | 7 years and 10 months ago

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I used this service to address a violation. The price was on the low end and to me, it seems like the best way to go. Although it may take a while for them to get to you, it demonstrates to the city that you are taking action. I remember the final price being close to half of a private contractor. Actially, the city subbed it out to a private contractor, but the city was ultimately responsible for any screw-ups, paperwork, etc.