Res. No. 1353
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation which would require the New York City Department of Transportation to allow New York City homeowners to repair curbs adjacent to their sidewalk and receive a tax credit for the cost of the repair
By Council Members Grodenchik, Crowley, Barron, Gentile and Vallone
Whereas, In New York City, the curb is where the roadbed meets the sidewalk and is raised to divide the sidewalk from the roadway; and
Whereas, Curbs are considered a part of the roadway and the City of New York is responsible for their repair and maintenance; and
Whereas, The Department of Transportation (DOT) defines a sidewalk to mean, “the portion of the street, whether paved or unpaved, between the curb lines, or lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines intended for use of pedestrians”; and
Whereas, Pursuant to New York City law, private property owners are required to repair and maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property; and
Whereas, According to the New York Daily News, requests to fix broken curbs outnumber the resources available to fix them and property owners are forced to wait years for curb repairs; and
Whereas, If DOT is unable to complete the curb repair in the ninety day period the homeowner should be able to have their curb repaired by a licensed contractor and receive a property tax credit for the cost of completing the repair; now, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation which would require the New York City Department of Transportation to allow New York City homeowners to repair curbs adjacent to their sidewalk and receive a tax credit for the cost of the repair.
L.S 9321
11/2/16
ER