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Pelham Resident Confronts Board on Sidewalk Issue

PELHAM, N.Y. – The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees listened to a litany of complaints from several citizens during the public comment portion of the board meeting Tuesday night. One resident voiced her displeasure with the conditions of her sidewalk.

Louise Podszus, who lives at 59 Clifford Ave., approached the board and asked why it has not taken action to fix broken sidewalks on her avenue even though she has requested repairs for four years.

"This is the result of a broken sidewalk," Podszus said, as she raised her left arm to show the board a black brace on her hand and forearm.

The elderly woman told the board she has had glass removed from her forehead because she fell due to broken sidewalks. She said that the village only repaired one part of the sidewalk at 66 Clifford Ave. because a tree fell on it.

"As of this date, not one that was referred to Mr. Yamuder ... has been repaired," Podszus said.

Podszus also added that some of the sidewalks need to be mowed because of grass growth.

Trustee Jeff Lewis told Podszus that by law, the village cannot repair the sidewalk and then charge residents for the work. The woman responded that an ordinance allows the village to make repairs if the resident does not take action after 45 days.

Village Administrator Robert Yamuder said that the board sends approximately 20 violations to homeowners each year regarding sidewalks, but the village cannot fix each one.

"Unfortunately, because of the resources, we can't fix them all," Yamuder said.

The administrator said that if residents bring attention to a specific sidewalk, then the board will try to give it priority for repair.

 

What do you think of the board's response to sidewalk damage? Comment below, on Facebook or Twitter @DailyPelham.

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