Residents question why property owners must pay for sidewalk repairs in Nassau County & some LI towns
The policy has sparked debate among residents, many of whom argue that public sidewalks should be repaired with public funds.
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Long Islanders are raising questions about who should be responsible for repairing broken and uneven sidewalks after several residents said deteriorating walkways have made it difficult—and in some cases dangerous—to get around.
Rosalie Rodgers, of Oceanside, relies on a motorized wheelchair to travel along South Long Beach Road, where damaged sidewalks have become a daily obstacle.
Rodgers said she has grown frustrated by what she sees as conflicting explanations over who is responsible for making repairs.
"It's all bureaucracy," she said. "Nobody wants to do anything. Because the county says it's the property owners. The property owner says it's the county. Then who the hell is telling the truth?"
Her concerns echo those of Bellmore resident David Kay, who recently spoke about similar sidewalk conditions along Newbridge Road.
Both South Long Beach Road and Newbridge Road are maintained by Nassau County. Under current county policy, however, adjacent property owners are generally responsible for repairing damaged sidewalks. Similar requirements exist in many Long Island towns, where homeowners are expected to maintain sidewalks bordering their properties.
The policy has sparked debate among residents, many of whom argue that public sidewalks should be repaired with public funds.
Comments posted on social media reflected that sentiment.
"I never understood why it's the homeowner's responsibility," one resident wrote.
Another commented, "The county should be responsible."
Eric Alexander, director of Vision Long Island, said municipalities should take a more active role in maintaining pedestrian infrastructure and seek outside funding to help cover the cost.
"Sometimes property owners are not in the position to do those types of improvements," Alexander said. He noted that local governments can apply for state and federal grants to repair sidewalks and improve accessibility.
"We need municipalities to think along the lines of how to improve these things," Alexander said. "A roadway is not just the asphalt on the road—it also extends to the sidewalk."
News 12 reached out to Nassau County for comment on its sidewalk repair policy but had not received a response as of publication.
