Trees & Sidewalks program for sidewalk repair

Last spring we received a notice of violation for the bluestone sidewalk outside our house. Because at least some of the damage was caused by tree roots, I contacted the Parks Department and was enrolled in the city’s Trees & Sidewalks program, with a date for work now scheduled for later this year. Has anyone successfully had their sidewalk repaired through this program? Does the city pick up the tab with this program, or will they bill me?
To complicate matters we may be putting the house on the market before the work is done. Has anyone sold their house while a sidewalk violation notice was unresolved, and if so, how did you handle it?

casacleo

in General Discussion 7 years and 3 months ago

7

Please log in, in order to post replies!

7 replies

Newest Oldest

catboot | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4864 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "56593"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "catboot"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNT9tJr3JaPXhWfSFer5U2OsVO9Md1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "catboot"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "fejamieson@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(49) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/catboot/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:14"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "catboot"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(56593)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We had our entire sidewalk replaced under the Tress and Sidewalk program. It took about 2 years from when we submitted the request to when the sidewalk was fixed. We had no open violations or anything like that – just a busted sidewalk due to tree roots.

murph | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14113"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtXSTW4BIdTGv7Hod2bWPFl8fIF.MM."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mayocork9@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(52) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/sunsetpark/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:47:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14113)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You’re lucky but then maybe I wasn’t. I got a “violation” and replaced by walkway at personal expense(Ah, the joys of home ownership!). Then the City contractor came to replace the walkway adjacent but tore up some of my perfectly good concrete. They did replace it but left a protruding nub sticking up near the tree pit. Not where anyone would walk mind you but one evening I got visited by one of those “rent-an-inspector” types who noted the errant nub. I didn’t want any trouble so I went to the cellar and got my trusty five-pound sledge and chisel and away it went. I missed the inspector.

brikenny | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "7134"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brikenny"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BuewY1MbJC9wLJnis.5Up/xDEuUxVG."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brikenny"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "brikenny@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/brikenny/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:49"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brikenny"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(7134)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

At the suggestion of my insurance carrier I also enrolled in the sidewalk repair program before there was a problem as the tree roots hadn’t done too much damage yet. I got an email message from the city saying I was then on a public list of homeowners who were obviously worried about their sidewalks, regardless of condition. Six months later I got a Notice of Intent to Sue from a lawyer in the Bronx, saying his client had tripped on my sidewalk (although it could not have happened on the day they claimed.) A full two years after my initial enrollment I received another email saying an inspector had finally come to look at my sidewalk and it was found to be “in violation”, not because it was dangerous, but because their records now said someone claimed she had tripped. It took a full five years to have the suit dismissed, and meanwhile I was forced to pay for my own sidewalk replacement, even though it wasn’t necessary yet. My lawyer agreed that adding my name to that list was just an invitation to every shyster lawyer to say their clients tripped at my address, but still, nothing was ever done by the city. Beware.

murph | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5119 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14113"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtXSTW4BIdTGv7Hod2bWPFl8fIF.MM."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mayocork9@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(52) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/sunsetpark/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:47:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "murph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14113)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I remember this problem being discussed here some years ago. Brownstone Brooklyn home owners were being cited for uneven bluestone slabs on their walkways. They had 30-days to repair; however, the Landmarks Preservation Commission required 90-days to answer any request to touch a protected bluestone walkway. It was pretty difficult to get them to see the problem in a timely manner.
A repairer took even longer to respond and did not answer a request until the approval was in hand.

greenworks | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5120 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193898"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BvxiXeodyQysgcTYowSaAwPkHGvc1S0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(38) "greenworksconstruction936962@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:31:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193898)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We were buyers on home with sidewalk violation — our case a little different bc sellers had fixed it but just never had it inspected. Title company just had sellers put $$$ in escrow to cover cost of repair until it was cleared. I believe that’s pretty normal course of action.

This stuff happens all the time — talk to the atty you plan on using for the transaction as your mileage may vary.

Arkady | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5119 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5114 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14677"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSLpIhH1FLNbV2Qdpb/F67tu7brrgw1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "rkdillon@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/arkady/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-08-04 21:50:38"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "HL9P1Plx6tnm1l8GiJvd"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14677)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

They’re supposed to replace “like with like” so you should get bluestone & not have to pay for it. Not sure about unresolved violation.

kms_bkyn | 7 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5121 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "28536"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "kms_bkyn"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BznXz4yyimZuahpvljKywxMfetznEy1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "kms_bkyn"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(15) "kmacq@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/kkmsbkln/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:19:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "kms_bkyn"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(28536)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We have been in the trees and sidewalks program for two years and they haven’t fixed our sidewalk yet. They say it will happen by the end of June, but I’ll believe it when I see it. My understanding is that the city does the work (and you are not billed) because the damage is due to the city-owned tree.