Memo on water main additions and retaining wall project, May

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

03/10/2024 00:40 212-669-4980 PAGE 03/25

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G. OLIVER KOPPELL •J ‘“'M E R

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August i“. 201 .T

John Liu, Comptroller Office of the New York Cih Comptroller I Centre Street New York. NY 10007

DcarCnmptTOner Liu,

I am wTiting in reference to the property damage claim jointly filed by the owners 01'3488 and 3490 Cannon Place. It is my understanding that the water and sewer line break » hich occurred on their respective properties, and the subsequent stnkliolc which developed on the city street, was caused by the deteriorating condition of the retaining wall on Cannon Place.

The Deparrment of Design and Constructinn determined that the Cannon Place w'atcr main and retaining wall, which have existed for over 40 years, are faulty and in need of replacement. Starting in the fall of 2013. both will undergo a $.1 million capital reconstruction. The retaining wall adjacent to the water and sewer mains was found to have a rubble wall with bulges in it. missing mortar, loose .stones, mortar in the wall joints, and sections that are tilting and bowing. According to an independent engineering report, the Concrete sidewalk at the south end of the retaining wall is broken and uneven due to .settlement. This settlement is being caused by the loss of the fine soil particles through the retaining wall as a result of ground water movement. This movement was caused by the refining wall shifting. which allows the .soil behind the retaining wall to settle, as the volume of soil redistributes itself.

The condition of the retaining wall has put added pressure on the entire infmtructurc around it. including die water and itewer mains which conncm to lire properly owner's lines. It should not lie the responsibility of the property owners to fix the underlying problem which exists on the city mains and on the chy owned retaining wall. Due to the problems associated with the retaining wall and the city's acknow ledgment that il needs to fixed. 1 am asking that these wo property oivncf s be compensated for the cost of hiring a plumber to fix their sewer Imeml and water line.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact my Director of Community Affairs Andrew Sandler at 718-549-7300 or email him al a.sandler.'£/.conncil.nyc.gov.

j, (i. OlKeHCopf^dl Council Member

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