Police Warning for Ice on the Sidewalk?!? (Hempstead, Plainview: home owners insurance, how much)

[azzurrony]

Ok, so we just moved to Garden City on Friday night. Yes, during that nasty storm. By the time me and my wife were inside, the ice and snow had already formed on my sidewalk.

With the cold temps, it is really really thick ice. Over the weekend I tried to break it up with a shovel and salt. Could barely make any dents.

So...what happens...yesterday we get a Warning from the GC Police that our sidewalk needs to be cleaned or we'll get a fine. Apparently, someone called and complained.

Are you kidding me? We just moved in, my wife is pregnant, and I can't chip through 3 inches of solid ice....and I have to worry about this?

These police really need to find something to do. And, if the people complaining knew that I just moved in during the storm, then they are real a-holes.

[rocafeller05]

Welcome to Garden City my friend...thats the way it is there! Sad but true.

[alexei27]

I believe in a lot of places...if someone falls on ice in front of your house and gets hurt...they can actually sue you. I am sure the laws vary by town. Welcome to your new home regardless. For what its worth it'll be in the 50s tomorrow.

[LocalX]

The police have something to do.......................they keep Hempstead out of Garden City.
Just hire somebody to get rid of the ice.

[TomMoser]

That's the way Garden City is. It appears to be what the residents want.

On the upside, I can tell you that for two years after my father in law passed away, the Garden City Fire Department sent volunteers to clear the snow in front of my mother in law's home. They were wonderful and caring people, and we will always appreciate their selfless actions.

[vantastic10]

You could have put down some sand on your sidewalk. I know that ice choppers were of no use during the storms last week. A hammer and chisel and a lot of patience would have been needed. I believe that if they see that at least you made an effort they won't give you a ticket. I hope you have an umbrella policy on your home owners insurance. Most homeowners are under insured. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind. One lawsuit can wipe you out.

[azzurrony]

Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful place. One of my neighbors was cleaning the sidewalk of an older couple during the storm..without even asking or saying a word. Another neighbor came over to say hello...and our next door neighbor said hello and brough cookies. I just didn't get that when I lived in Plainview.

I just wish they weren't this anal about stuff. But, oh well. I better get used to it. I guess that's how they keep the town beautiful.

As for the lawsuits, I know that there is strict liability for sidewalks. I just wish neighbors (or whoever it was) and police would give us some slack since we just took possession right after the storm.

[azzurrony]

Vantastic,

Honestly, since we just moved in, I didn't have sand and all the equipment needed. I tried with a shovel and salt and water, but couldn't make much of a dent. They really should give us some slack.

As for insurance, I'm not sure I would need an umbrella. I have a million dollars in general liability coverage. I assume that's plenty for slip and falls. An umbrella would add about a million more on that. 2 million seems like a lot.

How much do people generally get here?

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by azzurrony

Ok, so we just moved to Garden City on Friday night. Yes, during that nasty storm. By the time me and my wife were inside, the ice and snow had already formed on my sidewalk.

With the cold temps, it is really really thick ice. Over the weekend I tried to break it up with a shovel and salt. Could barely make any dents.

So...what happens...yesterday we get a Warning from the GC Police that our sidewalk needs to be cleaned or we'll get a fine. Apparently, someone called and complained.

Are you kidding me? We just moved in, my wife is pregnant, and I can't chip through 3 inches of solid ice....and I have to worry about this?

These police really need to find something to do. And, if the people complaining knew that I just moved in during the storm, then they are real a-holes.

I hate to tell ya ...but its kind of an uppity village.

Not surprised at all.

Itll melt tomorrow.

Drop some sand till then

crooks

[LocalX]

Originally Posted by azzurrony

Vantastic,

Honestly, since we just moved in, I didn't have sand and all the equipment needed. I tried with a shovel and salt and water, but couldn't make much of a dent. They really should give us some slack.

As for insurance, I'm not sure I would need an umbrella. I have a million dollars in general liability coverage. I assume that's plenty for slip and falls. An umbrella would add about a million more on that. 2 million seems like a lot.

How much do people generally get here?

Trust me get the umbrella, all you need is a kid to trip on a crack in the sidewalk and break a tooth. Also donate to the local police PBA, say you just moved in and heard great things.....you know the drill.