Bluestone sidewalk violation—advice sought on how to proceed
We’ve received a notice of violation about our sidewalk from the Department of Transportation. The sidewalk outside our house is largely bluestone, though there are a few flags already replaced with concrete, and we live in a landmarked district. The notice is very confusing: on the one hand it says that we are required to replace the sidewalk in 45 days at our own cost; on the other, it says that “defects caused by tree roots will not be charged if the city makes the repair.” The notice also says “requires inspection by Forester.” (We have a tree pit directly outside our house.) I called 311 in the hope of getting further clarification, but was told just to put in a request to get an inspection done to determine whether the damage is caused by tree roots by the Parks Department, which can take up to 90 days, so beyond the period during which I am supposed to get the sidewalk replaced.
I’ve sought one estimate so far from a bluestone contractor, which was very expensive, though the contractor thought it likely that we would get something reimbursed from the city on acc ount of the tree roots. Obviously, I’d rather avoid the outlay if possible, or at the very least know how much to expect getting back from the city. Has anyone gone through this process and could advise, and offer recommendations for a reliable contractor? Did you ever get a refund from the city, and if so, how long did it take?
Also, it’s my understanding that I can appeal to Landmarks to be allowed to use concrete instead of bluestone (very few houses on my block retain the original bluestone). Has anyone here ever done this? Thanks for any insight.
casacleo
in General Discussion 8 years and 1 month ago
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9 replies
Guest User | 8 years ago
i agree wholeheartedly with the previous post. Don’t pay a cent before you put the city on the hook for their careless and reckless enforcement and harassment of homeowners. Call 311 before you pay or call a contractor. Put the city on notice that they are in all likelihood responsible for the crumbling sidewalks throughout the borough of Brooklyn. All too often, homeowners panic and start paying thousands of dollars when a phone call to the community board or 311 could have saved all that time and money.
Guest User | 8 years ago
i agree wholeheartedly with the previous post. Don’t pay a cent before you put the city on the hook for their careless and reckless enforcement and harassment of homeowners. Call 311 before you pay or call a contractor. Put the city on notice that they are in all likelihood responsible for the crumbling sidewalks throughout the borough of Brooklyn. All too often, homeowners panic and start paying thousands of dollars when a phone call to the community board or 311 could have saved all that time and money.
Guest User | 8 years ago
i agree wholeheartedly with the previous post. Don’t pay a cent before you put the city on the hook for their careless and reckless enforcement and harassment of homeowners. Call 311 before you pay or call a contractor. Put the city on notice that they are in all likelihood responsible for the crumbling sidewalks throughout the borough of Brooklyn. All too often, homeowners panic and start paying thousands of dollars when a phone call to the community board or 311 could have saved all that time and money.
boredatwork | 8 years ago
@kms_bkyn is spot on
Dont do anything before you call 311 and schedule an appointment by Parks. If the violation is caused by tree roots, you are not responsible for that portion of the potential repairs. You also stop the clock on the violation. Its laughable that they claimed a 90 day inspection turnaround. I am now waiting on a year for an inspection by Forestry.
You should be aware that your insurance company may notice the violation. Mine did and asked for a copy of the request to schedule an inspection. I think that puts the city on the hook for any liability.
You can also call your local community board which will likely have experience in these kinds of violations and point you in the right direction.
NeoGrec | 8 years ago
These guys have been recommended here and might be worth a call:
Joe Dodaro
WP Bluestone
http://www.wpbluestone.com
718-653-3096
I have NOT worked with them directly myself but they did the sidewalks of 3 houses near me that I walk on daily so I CAN say the end result was great.
kms_bkyn | 8 years and 1 month ago
Call 311 and request an inspection from the Parks Dept to look at your tree. They will determine if your sidewalk damage is due to your city tree. If it is, you will receive a ‘score’ and they may fix it for you. Good luck!
Arkady | 8 years and 1 month ago
There can be only a 1/2 inch discrepancy between 2 pavers or any depressions in a sidewalk. If your violation involves the heights between pavers, many people have had the higher side ‘shaved’ so it isn’t an abrupt difference. You might try that.
Also, a contractor who really knows his stuff will be able to advise you about whether it’s a tree root problem – in which case you are not allowed to fix it & must have EPA or Parks Dept. do it.
One good & reasonably priced bluestone contractor is Park Slope Brownstone – 646 554 4513.
kassie319 | 8 years and 1 month ago
Replacement of the last section of bluestone paving on a landmarked block on E78th St. required presentation/ approval from the community board and a public hearing at LPC. I believe re-setting bluestone would be approved at staff level at LPC.
anotherposter | 8 years and 1 month ago
If you live in Park Slope, you might be able to grab a forester or get a quick inspection. We had a street tree problem and are close to their office (near the 7th St entrance on PPW) and got a guy there within a few days.