Readers Write: Questioning the Safety and Quality of Green Infrastructure Pavement

I wanted to bring attention to something I’ve been noticing around Boro Park, specifically on 46th Street and New Utrecht Avenue, but also in other locations.

The city has been installing green infrastructure pavement over the past few years, with the goal of helping prevent flooding by allowing rainwater to seep into the ground instead of running off into the streets. The idea makes sense, but the way some of this pavement is holding up is raising serious questions.

On 46th Street and New Utrecht Avenue, a section of pavement that was installed only about three and a half weeks ago is already starting to sink, and it seems to be getting worse every day. I’ve noticed similar problems in other locations as well.

How can pavement that was just installed begin sinking so quickly? What is causing this, and who is responsible for making sure the work is done properly? More importantly, if someone trips on the uneven pavement and gets hurt, who takes responsibility?

These projects are supposed to improve our neighborhood and help with flooding, but if the pavement is already sinking within weeks of being installed, what will it look like a year or two from now? Will the city come back and repair it, or will homeowners eventually be left dealing with the problem?

Residents deserve to know that the work being done on our streets is being properly inspected and will hold up over time. Green infrastructure may serve an important purpose, but the installation needs to be done right, and someone should be making sure the results are safe and lasting.

Signed, 

A Resident of Boro Park