Responsibility for sidewalk repair costs debated in Ridgewood
Wednesday May 29, 2013, 12:22 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
The Ridgewood Council is still undecided whether it will change the village’s existing sidewalk policy, specifically the terms that place maintenance and repair responsibility on residents.
Discussion regarding sidewalk repairs has emerged in recent months as the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy coincided with the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee’s (REAC) ongoing efforts to draft a new shade tree policy. Some council members believed the timing was right to modify the regulations and incorporate them into the policy.
At issue, according to Mayor Paul Aronsohn, is when a village-owned tree causes damage to a sidewalk, either by overgrown roots or when one is felled by nature. In those cases, residents whose property adjoins the damaged sidewalk must shoulder the cost to fix it.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/209353851_Responsibility_for_sidewalk_repair_costs_debated_in_Ridgewood.html
Not a good idea Mr. Mayor. The Village’s liability insurance premiums could skyrocket and once word gets around that the Village itself is responsible (can you say: DEEP POCKETS), people looking to make a fast buck will be slipping, tripping, and falling all over the place. The lawyers and insurance companies are the only ones who would benefit from the Mayor’s plan. Stick with the current policy Paul.
This year I had to spend hundreds to repair sidewalks that were lifted by trees planted by the Village. I did the same thing 5-6 years ago to repair the same sidewalks.
The Village owned trees damage sidewalks . The roots from these trees damage sewer connections usually under the street. Its the owner of the trees(VILLAGE) responsibility to reimburse/repair the damage. They screwed homeowners years ago by passing an ordinance that made it the homeowner’s responsibility to repair their sewer line all they way to the main *under the street* instead of to the edge of their property.
So if you don’t have a sidewalk you have to pay for the rest of the village to repair theirs. Ok then I want sidewalks on my street. I see the argument both ways. Leave the policy alone.
Do not change the policy.
I dont have sidewalks but I do have sewers.
I have sidewalks and sewers, but no trees nearby that would impact them. However I do have a retaining wall that will eventually sustain major tree damage. It’s a bit old anyway, but replacing it in today’s market will cost tens of thousands if not six figures. What was the question again?
Where can I send the bill?
this town is going down fast.