A white van pulled up and a guy sawed a curving crack into my new sidewalk

So I happened to be at home today, and I heard a saw sound so went outside. A shady looking individual, with a white unmarked van parked right in front, sawed into my sidewalk. Confused, I asked him what he was doing and he mumbled something unintelligible. Asking for clarification, he said the word “caulking”. Angrily. I didn’t really pay much attention to it, but I realized later I really should have. After he left I saw a random crack — see pic below. This sidewalk was just completely redone a few months ago when the city installed the bioswale. Then I remembered. When I first bought this place, there was a violation on the sidewalk and the broker had told me a ‘neighborhood guy’ was going around creating cracks and calling up violations in order to try to push his own business. I feel dumb for not running over and taking a picture of the license plate. Should I call the police and describe the incident? This is really bizarre to me, but I also don’t want a violation on there that will cost me hundreds to repair. Also the sidewalk was perfect! What kind of shady nonsense is this and what do you recommend? He was about 5’10, short dark hair, scruffy stubble and seemed caucasion. Has anyone heard about this in Bed Stuy?

soundhoner

in Sidewalks 9 years and 3 months ago

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soundhoner | 9 years and 3 months ago

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Hm. I don’t know if I can pinpoint All Borough Construction here (I don’t quite recognize that pic). So I can’t really say it’s them. I did file a report. The police were report-filing-shy, and required careful swaying. I’m also going to check with two of my neighbors who have cameras. Thanks, @Greenthinker. That’s useful info. I’ll look into that. I’ll report back here when I get more info. I’m sure anyone who owns in Bushwick or Bed Stuy will be curious.

fluffins | 9 years and 3 months ago

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Hundreds? We had ours redone by the city contractors when the entire block was issued violations a year or two ago. It cost $1500 or so. Then 6 months later the parks department came by, tore up 1/3 of the new sidewalk to plant a tree. Happy to have the tree, but a little coordination between offices would have saved us at least $500

bradeichmann | 9 years and 3 months ago

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This him? He works at All Borough Construction. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDYrRLNkZKs/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/8qVT4ciOy_s/photo.jpg

GreenThinker | 9 years and 3 months ago

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I know that when the city does a sidewalk, they give the homeowner a 18 month guarantee on it. Call the dot sidewalk office and explain what happened. They’ll probably come take a look and replace the whole flag for you. The city hires private contractors, so maybe this is why that guy created a crack in the first place

bradeichmann | 9 years and 3 months ago

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Take to the internet. Look up local sidewalk repair places and see if you recognize the truck or guy in the pictures. Here’s one I found. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/all-borough-construction-brooklyn-2

soundhoner | 9 years and 3 months ago

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I’m thinking I’ll head over to the police precinct and have a discussion with someone to report it. Perhaps if I can get a report, if I do get a violation it might come in handy.