Sidewalk Repairs- sidewalk elevated by city tree

I have noticed that the city has been making the tree pits substantially larger rather than trimming the roots, especially with mature trees.   Is  it possible to have the tripping hazard ground down?

Townie

in Sidewalks 13 years and 6 months ago

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mica | 13 years and 6 months ago

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A city tree has elevated sidewalk tiles in front of my building on three sides. This is a high traffic street. The building is first floor commercial, and two upper floors residential. Per the city website, they will pay the cost of repair if the building is Tax Class 1, which this one is. I put in a complaint with 311 in June, and the city has still not done an inspection. After putting in two more complaints in the past few weeks, I believe my best course will be to get a permit and have a licensed contractor do the job. So these are my questions :  1) How long does it take to get the permit? How long does it take to get an appointment for the city to trim roots before the sidewalk repair can take place?  2) Will the city reimburse the cost of repair? This tree was on the property when I bought it. Were it my choice, it wouldn’t be there, but of course I have no choice. If it is possible to get money back from the city, how does one go about doing this?  3) A pedestrian tripped and fell in front of my building a week ago. She complained about her hip hurting, and asked for the building owner’s contact info. Will the city be liable if she proceeds, or will I/my insurance company be liable given the defect is due to a city tree? If I have her on surveillance camera staring into my store window to her left, and not looking forward, shouldn’t her tripping/falling be deemed her own fault?   Much thanks for any answers to these questions that you can provide.

mhathaway | 13 years and 6 months ago

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It really is hard to deal with this type of problem as even if you are able to put up a solution to it now, it will surely recur as the tree will continue to grow.  I am not sure if this will be covered by your insurance as this is included with the category of natural occurrence.

Well natural hazards are applicable to those who applied for a specific group who chose to get it.

Bklnite | 13 years and 6 months ago

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re: 1) If you’re getting a permit and a private contractor, then you schedule an appointment with parks dept to meet with the contractor to consult on on what they need to do with the tree, so it’s the contractor, not the city  that will trip the roots. 2) Seems unlikely the city would reimburse. 3) I think you (not the city) are liable for trip & fall claims, and your insurances liability coverage should protect you. You could ask your insurance agent.  http://www.saftlerlaw.com/html/sidewalk-fall.html

Raj | 13 years and 6 months ago

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give us call for a free estimates at 212-470-3952\. thanks,