NEW YORK (WPIX)—
New York City's Department of Transportation is keeping an eye on city sidewalks and some neighbors don't appreciate it.In Queens along 157th Street, half a dozen homeowners received a notice of violation from the city about the hazardous condition of some sidewalks. The inspector visited their street in response to a 311 call from a neighbor about broken curbs. There are no fines associated with the notice of violation. Homeowners will be billed if the city completes the work.
The city repairs curbs but homeowners are responsible for sidewalk damage (unless it's caused by tree roots in which case the city will pay for repairs). Homeowners tell PIX 11's Greg Mocker they understand why they have to cover costs, but the city should do its part and fix the curbs.
In Park Slope along 5th Street, some homeowners recently received notices that their sidewalks need replaced. Neighbors believe the work isn't necessary.
Mocker visited both locations and talked to the department of transportation commissioner. Janette Sadik-Khan says the city has a responsibility to make sure sidewalks are safe. The DOT says calls to 311 triggered both of these cases.
The city is covering the costs of repairs to sidewalks damaged in last month's tornado. Inspectors did seek out those locations in Brooklyn and Queens. Mocker checked with on the status of the work. About half of the 832 sidewalks identified by the city for this project have been fixed.
