Sidewalk Damaged by Town Tree May No Longer Be Homeowner's Problem

If you were one of the many homeowners whose sidewalk was ripped up by a town tree during Super Storm Sandy, you'll likely be pleased to know the village is considering doing away with an element of its sidewalk policy.

Currently, if a tree damages the sidewalk, the village removes the tree and grinds down the roots. But the homeowner is on the hook for restoring the sidewalk. A new slab can cost several hundred dollars.

As part of its ongoing discussion on the shade tree policy, Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh said sidewalks are now on the table despite opposition from the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee. Mayor Paul Aronsohn suggested the change.

The village may add an exception to homeowner's incurring the costs of replacing damaged sidewalks if a village tree is the cause of the woes.

"It's unfair in my mind," Aronsohn said of the current policy.

Council members will discuss the shade tree policy at its May 1 meeting. 

Clarification: Mayor Paul Aronsohn suggested changing the policy.