Monday, March 31, 2008

Flooded Sidewalk - II


On March 14 I wrote about the flooded sidewalk on Lake Avenue between Woodstock Lumber and Silgan, where water stands probably a foot deep for quite a stretch, forcing pedestrians into the street. I wondered whether that sidewalk was public property or if the responsibility belonged to a private property owner there, and I mentioned that I'd report on any reply from Community Development or Public Works.

After hearing nothing from either department of the City, I visited Community Development this afternoon and learned that this sidewalk is in the public right-of-way. You got it! It's the responsibility of the City of Woodstock.

The sidewalk was put in as part of the Lake Avenue improvement project. Of course, my immediate thought was, Why didn't someone at the architect's office or Public Works take into consideration where the stormwater would gather, when the sidewalk was designed? Hello? This is not rocket science.

No private developer would have gotten away with overlooking stormwater flow. But who was looking over the City's shoulder? Anyone? No one?

And those manhole covers and the pavement around them in the eastbound lane on Lake Avenue? I've also asked the City what they are planning to do about the depressions forming around the manholes? Did I get a reply? Did the sun come up in the West this morning???

Will they wait until the pavement collapses? Will they wait until the guaranty of workmanship by the contractor expires? Will the taxpayers of Woodstock get stuck with the repair cost?

Be sure to visit the pond in front of the Woodstock Recreation Center, too, where the water collects and completely blocks the sidewalk there.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

It must be a pain in the ass driving over a small bump in the road that any other regular car would handle just fine. Hello? stop exaggerating and start writing with complete info. The ground is just settling around there. Its prob done settling but its not good enough for you Frank.

Unknown said...

I see you actually got off the road to take the picture instead of in your gay car as you were driving by.