John Parsons

Dear Howard County Public Works,

I originally reported this Sweet Gum Tree and sidewalk issue in Oct 2016.
Spreading thickening roots have resulted in the adjacent sidewalk to heave upward and to a lesser extent the roots are heaving our concrete driveway.
Since the original report the heaving has worsened, pushing the concrete an additional 1.5 - 2" upward. This heaved area continues to create a tripping hazard and it also results in a larger pool of water and silt/mud that is very slippery for neighbors and for children walking to Thunderhill Elementary School(across the street).

In 2016 I requested the tree be removed and the sidewalk repaired. Greg J responded in late November 2016 that nothing could be done about the tree.

For years I have been periodically removing the accumulated silt/mud that collects in this sidewalk basin/pool to help with this issue. I am requesting Howard County Public Works check this hazard again and take steps to correct this issue. Every other section of sidewalk has been repaired/replaced in my neighborhood. I don't understand why this section is overlooked.

Thank you for your attention.