Resident Plans To Sue Highland Park For Cost Of Mandatory Sidewalk Repairs

Sep 17, 2015 (As reported by CBS New York)

Highland Park, N.J. – Newly laid slabs of concrete have created a big headache in the Borough of Highland Park.

Elie Feuerwrker has lived on Cherry Street for 10 years, but in 2012 he got a notice under his door from town officials saying he had to pay to fix the sidewalks in front of his house.

“Why should I pay for something for which I’m not responsible?” he asked CBS2’s Jessica Schneider. “The sidewalk does not belong to me.”

The borough demanded that people replace their uneven sidewalk slabs, but when a court struck down that ordinance last year, people said they wanted their money back.

Many paid hundreds and even thousands of dollars to replace their sidewalks over the past 3 years, after the borough threatened them with fines and court appearances.

Now, with the ordinance deemed too vague and unenforceable by the courts Feuerwerker has filed suit and expects 1,200 of his neighbors to join it.

“All that people are looking for is to be reimbursed for the costs they incurred,” lawyer Elliot Ostrove said.

See How Epstein Ostrove, LLC Can Help You

The borough refused to comment, saying they haven’t been served with the lawsuit yet.

Feuerwerker spent $800 to fix the slabs and he’s determined to get that money back.

“I am certain we are going to win,” he said.

His lawyer said they tried to come to terms with the borough first, but had no choice but to sue.

Click Here for the Full Article