Bronx business owner, residents concerned over hole in sidewalk of E. Tremont Ave.

A Bronx business owner is sounding the alarm about unsafe conditions on a sidewalk, claiming complaints to the city have essentially gone unanswered. Nicholas Arakas, owner of Westchester Square Car

News 12 Staff

Aug 1, 2014, 8:12 PM

Updated 3,647 days ago

Share:

A Bronx business owner is sounding the alarm about unsafe conditions on a sidewalk, claiming complaints to the city have essentially gone unanswered.
Nicholas Arakas, owner of Westchester Square Car Wash And Lube, says he's worried about a huge hole in the sidewalk on East Tremont Avenue. The hole, near Westchester Square and Lehman High School's campus, is wide enough that someone could fall into it.
Arakas says it has been this way for seven months. Shortly after News 12 The Bronx arrived on the scene, the city's Department of Environmental Protection covered it up.
The car wash owner says he has called 311 several times since January, and claims the Department of Environmental Protection even checked it out, but no one has been back to fix it. Arakas has patched up the hole with boards and even set up hazard cones himself.
He told News 12 that he grew so frustrated, he tried hiring a contractor himself, but was told he's not authorized to repair city property.
He and other residents are calling on the city to do something about the hole before someone gets hurt. One resident claims he saw a city snow plow truck hit the curb during a winter storm cleanup.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American