Sidewalk Repairs

Brownstone Agency had requested that I report minor damage to my sidewalk to 311–essentially to “drop a dime” on myself. I just did that and got a service request number. The 311 operator said that I’ll get a violation from DOT in 30 days. I’m aware that I’m responsible for repairs to my sidewalk (unless they’re caused by tree roots) although the City is liable for any injuries caused by the sidewalk condition in front of my one family house. It used to be the case that if I do nothing after receiving the violation the City, in the fullness of time, will send a contractor to do the repair and bill me. This used to be the simplest and most economical solution; is that still the case?
FWIW I reported damage to my sidewalk three years ago (the last time my BA insurance was renewed) and NOTHING ever happened. That’s OK with me because the sidewalk damage is very small. OTOH I wouldn’t mind paying for the repair.

BobMarvin

in General Discussion 1 month ago

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BobMarvin | 1 weeks ago

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The same thing happened three years ago, the previous time I renewed my insurance. I don’t know how seriously the City takes 311 sidewalk complaints.

BobMarvin | 1 weeks ago

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Fortunately I DIDN’T get a violation and merely reporing the “problem “ satisfied the insurance company.

athalind03 | 1 weeks ago

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Dealing with the DOT on sidewalks is always a pain. Just a heads up—if you got a violation notice, make sure whoever you hire is actually licensed to file the ‘Dismissal Request’ with the city once the work is done. Otherwise, the violation stays on your title even if the sidewalk looks perfect. I’ve heard good things about some of the local guys who specialize in ‘DOT violation removal’ rather than just general masonry.

BobMarvin | 1 month ago

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OTOH waiting for the City to make the repair avoids having to apply for a permit.

BobMarvin | 1 month ago

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There’s just a small raised area; I don’t especially care if it gets repaired. I was basically satisfying the insurance company.

cate | 1 month ago

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What needs to be repaired? In my experience, the concrete guys rarely will fix a little piece, they’ll want to redo a bigger section of the sidewalk and usually charge accordingly.

BobMarvin | 1 month ago

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    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(5) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["SPF Manage Forums"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

311 closed my complaint, so I guess nothing more will br done. At least my insurance company is satisfied