Going on 2 months, next week, with no contact by Smithtown Highway Dept.

As of October 13, 2016, no resolution to issue. Highway Department contacted me in September and said they would be out to look at the street. To date, no additional communication from Highway Dept. If they did come out and look, they have yet to contact me.

It's a shame, with all the taxes we pay, that getting the street repaired is such a major problem.

As of November 4, 2016, there has been no action and problem still persists.

Has this been addressed by Smithtown Highway as yet? I have a similar issue at a neighbor's home. And how does one get the issue "notified?" I don't quite grasp this site!

STILL NO RESOLUTION AND OVER 2 YEARS SINCE REPORTING THE ISSUE TO SMITHTOWN HIGHWAY.

Smithtown Highway Department finally showed up in April, 2018, and surveyed the street. They told me that the tree was lifting the street, hence the reason for the water accumulation in front of driveway apron. They said the tree would need to be removed at this point. Have not heard back from them since April, so don't know when they plan to actually remove the tree.

No word from Smithtown Highway Department as of July 27, 2018. Not sure if they still plan to remove tree and have not heard from them since April 2018.

As of 9/26/2018, still no remedy. This has now been 2 years 3 months, with no change.The tree roots have pulled up more sidewalk, in addition to the puddling of water at driveway apron due to poor drainage from the street having lifted. Concern around the tree falling in upcoming storms now, with the root structure pushing up from the ground. Just want to insure that this is all documented, in the event there is injury and/or damage to my home / other property due to the potential of the tree falling.

Good morning Mr. Cosavella. Please contact the town clerk to file a notice of defect regarding your apron and the sidewalk. They can be reached at 360-7620 and will assist you in filing this. Regarding the town tree, please contact the Department of Environment at 360-7514 and ask them to please come and inspect the tree as you feel it needs to be removed. I have put in a work order for the puddling to see what can be done. Sincerely, Brynne

Thanks Brynne. I have called and the Highway Department did come out and look at the tree in April of this year. They said they would schedule for removal. Nothing has happened since. I am growing tired of trying to get this issue taken care of. I would have it removed on my own if it wasn't a big deal with the town. Just wanted to insure there is documentation as to how long this has been going on in the event of liability.

So the latest update is that the Dept. of Environment and Waterways came out and inspected the two trees in question. They deemed the trees healthy and could not recommend removal. They did agree that the tree growth and exposed root structure could be a danger, in a bad storm. Also, the sidewalk is lifted in front of both trees, posing a potential liability. They told me they would refer it to the Smithtown Highway Department. The Highway Department was here in April (see above) and stated that there was a problem with the roots, street drainage, sidewalk lifting, and would schedule for removal, which never happened. Supposedly, there is no record of them ever having been by to look at the trees in April. So, we have gone full circle, with no action taken with any of the Smithtown Town agencies. Typical inactivity on the part of Town agencies, even with all the taxes we pay. I will follow-up with a letter to Smithtown Highway department stating that they will be liable for any damage or injury incurred on either my property/family or neighbors' property/family as well as provide a copy to my lawyer. This has gone on way too long (since July 2016) and should have been addressed much sooner. This issue has been OUTSTANDING FOR 871 DAYS!

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That is disgusting. The bureaucracy makes me sick.

I can’t wait to leave Smithtown.

So, here we are in 2019 (12/19/19 to be exact) and no activity. I did email a letter which prompted the Smithtown Highway Dept. send someone out again to look at the trees. They marked the trees for removal with pink X's. That was in April/May 2019. Have not heard a word since then. The whole situation is comical at this point. This issue was recorded back in August of 2016. We are now at December 2019 with no resolution. So good to see our tax dollars at work!

Trees were finally removed in June 2020. This still does not solve the water problem that occurs every time it rains with a lake forming at the driveway apron. Will see how long it takes that get that remedied.

Update as of September 19, 2020: while trees were removed, sidewalk and street are still raised, allowing for giant lake at bottom of driveway/sidewalk every time it rains. Waiting to see how long it will take to get that fixed.

So the town was here to look at the damaged curb and sidewalk, after tree removal, on 9/16/20. They determined that the remaining roots were too big to grind and fill with topsoil, and that they would need to be pulled out. With that, the curb and sidewalk would need to be replaced as well. they told me that they should be able to get to it before the winter. I am hoping this will be the case.

So the town was here to look at the damaged curb and sidewalk, after tree removal, on 9/23/20. They determined that the remaining roots were too big to grind and fill with topsoil, and that they would need to be pulled out. With that, the curb and sidewalk would need to be replaced as well. they told me that they should be able to get to it before the winter. I am hoping this will be the case.

Update 9/9/21 - Was told in late April 2021 that the town would be by to fix the sidewalks some time after Memorial Day holiday 2021. As of today, nothing has been done. The trees were removed a year ago and the sidewalk/street looks terrible. My wife reached out and explained that we have a wedding coming up in October and was hoping this would be completed beforehand. She was told the work would be completed by then. Hoping we can finally get this done after years of requests.

Update 10/11/21 - Thank You Smithtown Highway Department - work started last week (10/4) on my sidewalks and street. The Smithtown Highway crew are doing a great job and almost finished.
Thank you again.