Legislator understands confusion about sidewalks
The following email came after Nassau County Legis. Judy Jacobs read Newsday's Community Watchdog Column for Sunday, July 20. It's worth sharing:
Dear Gwen,
I read with interest the story about the woman in Plainview who tripped on an uneven sidewalk on Old Country Road.
I do have a nice story to tell you about to show that some owners of property along a County road take action on their own. The owner of the Plainview Diner, also located on Old Country Road, spoke to me and asked what I could do to have the County remove the tree in front of the diner which has lifted the sidewalk. He intends to redo the sidewalk once the tree is removed by the County.
I immediately contacted DPW-Ray Ribiero-to report the need for removal of the tree. Once that happens this owner, who understands his responsibility, will do the sidewalks.
Main point of this is that most people do not realize that if they own property along any municipal road, they are responsible for the repair and replacement of the sidewalk. The only thing the municipality will do is remove the tree if it is the culprit.
I had one resident in Plainview who reported uneven sidewalks on Manetto Hill Road to the County and over 400 homes were sent letters to do the sidewalks. In most cases, the homeowner or business owner has no idea that the sidewalk is theirs. Most of the time, it is their backyard or side yard which is separated from the sidewalk by a 6 foot fence which is the thing in question. These homeowners are then shocked to learn it is their responsibility.
Hope you are well.
Most Sincerely,
Legislator Judy Jacobs
