Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) has walked through the most of his district. He spoke with a number of homeowners and explained to them what their rights are, what to expect and what to do. Colton also advised homeowners to take photos before work is completed. Homeowners were surprised that he actually took time out of his busy schedule to warn them of what is going on and at the same time they were pleased to hear it from him directly.

“I am outraged with the city inspectors and contractors that have been hired by the NYC Department of Transportation. During my journey through the streets, I happened to speak with a few homeowners. One told me that at the time of the inspection a contractor was present and advised him to do repairs with them and not to hire his own contractor because it will be more costly. He was also told that he will need to pay him $30.00 then the violation will be removed from his property. Another homeowner informed me that the city made repairs to the sidewalk by his property and now, two years later, he has received a violation for the repairs that were done by the city contractors! The city can’t hold homeowners responsible for their repairs and slap them with the same violation again. The violation must be taken off the property as soon as repairs are completed by the city contractors. As an elected official my job is to inform and protect people, especially from the corrupt individuals that are trying to take advantage of them,” Colton stated.

“My office has sent over 400 letters to homeowners to notify them about orange markings that the NYC Department of Transportation has painted by their properties. People need to know their rights and responsibilities as homeowners and most of all what to do when they’ll get a bill for the repairs. I will continue to fight for their rights and offer my help to anyone who’s in need,” Colton continued.