Bensonhurst sidewalk hazards spark agency blame game
Cracked concrete, uneven pavement and sidewalks buckled by growing tree roots have plagued the block for years, according to neighbors who say navigating the area can be difficult, especially for seniors and at night.
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Residents and community leaders in Bensonhurst say a deteriorating stretch of sidewalk on 64th Street has become a safety hazard, yet efforts to get it repaired have been met with finger-pointing among city agencies.
Cracked concrete, uneven pavement and sidewalks buckled by growing tree roots have plagued the block for years, according to neighbors who say navigating the area can be difficult, especially for seniors and at night.
"Can you believe it? This is a New York City walkway," one resident said while pointing out the damaged pavement.
Luis Villa, who frequently walks through the area, said he's learned to pay close attention to where he's stepping.
"I actually have to keep my eye on the ground more often walking here because one time I actually did trip," Villa said. "It was during the winter when it was snowy."
Residents say the hazards become even more dangerous after dark, when the cracked and uneven surfaces are harder to see and avoid.
Some neighbors say they've changed their routines altogether.
"No, I choose to walk on the other side," one resident said when asked if they use the sidewalk.
Community leaders say they've repeatedly contacted multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Parks Department, and the Department of Transportation (DOT), seeking repairs. However, they say no agency has accepted responsibility for fixing the sidewalk.
"If this was private property, it probably would have been taken care of a long, long time ago," said Dr. Larry He, leader of Assembly District 47. "Unfortunately, we don't know who is truly in charge. If we as government employees are puzzled and frustrated, let alone the neighbors around here."
News 12 reached out to the MTA for answers. The agency said the issue falls under the DOT's jurisdiction because the damaged sidewalk extends beyond MTA property lines.
A spokesperson for DOT tells News 12 that the sidewalk is adjacent to a NYCT property and that the MTA owns the tax lot. The spokesperson says NYC DOT issued a notice of violation previously and the property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. The DOT says the agency will re-inspect the area.
Regardless of who is responsible, residents say this should have been fixed a long time ago.
