Has this ever happened to you?

Observing the City’s Problems: Potholes

Group #2Anna Maria BongiornoJia Xin FengSabrina Marasia Chris OnyekabaShakira Smalls

What is a pothole? A pothole is a deep round hole worn

in rock by loose stones whirling in strong rapids or waterfalls such as rainstorms and snowstorms.

A pothole is produced by weary or weathering conditions.

Source: Dictionary.com

Birth of a Classic Pothole

Precipitation meltwater percolates through fissures in pavement and collects in the sub-base.

In frigid weather, collected water freezes and expands, pushing pavement upward while traffic stresses the pavement.

When the pavement thaws, it collapses into the void created by expanding ice.  Continuing traffic breaks the pothole edges and makes it larger.

Source: Article http://betterroads.com/articles/feb04e.htm

Different Types of Potholes

Potholes are characterized by definable bottom surface such as dirt or gravel.

Cave-ins generally look like depressions, with a jagged hole and a deep void beneath it.

Source: NYC.Gov website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/faqs_srsc.html

An old utility cut, usually square or rectangular in shape. If the cut was made within the last 3 years, the contractor is responsible for the repair. If the cut is older than 3 years (5 years on a protected street), DOT is responsible for the repair.

Ponding conditions are usually caused by low points in the roadway, inadequate drainage systems or improper grading.

Source: NYC.Gov website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/faqs_srsc.html

Hummocks are bumps that result when the roadway has pushed up. Hummocks are commonly located at or near intersections where there is heavy traffic

An open street cut is usually the result of a utility company working on the roadway. It is generally identified by markings near the cut. If work is in progress, there should be an information sign identifying the contractor/permittee and the permit number.

Source: NYC.Gov website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/faqs_srsc.html

Street hardware such as electric vaults may be cracked, missing, above grade or below grade and will generally cause a jolt when driven over.

Manhole covers may be cracked, missing, above grade or below grade and will generally cause a jolt when driven over.

Source: NYC.Gov website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/faqs_srsc.html

Who decides to resurface a particular street?

Anyone can report a pothole, but it is not a guarantee that a pothole will be fixed.

Streets are prioritized and rated according to the level of distress.

Before resurfacing occurs other factors such as public events and other construction are taken into account.

Source: NYC.Gov website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/faqs_srsc.html

How potholes are being repaired

DOT assesses the degree of the damage.

The remove excess debris from the hole.

They square off the area. Pour asphaltic cement into

pothole followed by a mixture of asphalt.

This material is compacted by machine and the hole is again sealed with asphaltic cement to prevent water from penetrating.

Source: NYC.Gov website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/faqs_srsc.html

DEP or DOT??

Callers reporting potholes are asked questions to determine which agency will respond to the problem.

DEP is the Department of Environmental Protection. If the depth is greater than a foot, it is a cave-in, the

problem is turned over to the DEP.

DOT is the Department of Transportation. If the depth is less than a foot, it is a pothole, and is turned

over to the DOT.

What is being Done?? 311-Call Center

Residents as well commuters call this number in order to file a complaint.

City Complaint Form NYC.GOV and ReportAPit.com offers a complaint forms

residents and commuters can fill out to report a pothole. Websites:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/potholeform.html http://www.reportapit.com/HomePage.htm

Source: NYC.Gov Website http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/potholeform.html

ReportAPit Website http://www.reportapit.com/HomePage.htm

The Problem with Potholes Many accidents can occur in many

ways due to potholes.A driver may see a pothole and to avoid

the situation swerve causing an accident involving another driver or pedestrian.

It can mess up a driver’s wheels causing the car to drive insufficiently.

Can cause emotional distress and frustration for the driver i.e. lateness, expenses on the car, injury.

Our Criticism on City Solutions Many people are unaware of the ways that they can report potholes.

For example, a few of our own group members were unaware of the intentions of 311. In addition, many people are unfamiliar with the internet.

The process is too long and can turn people away from getting involved. For example Anna Maria called the 311 call center, to make a complaint. In response to her call, she was transferred to 3 different departments.*

The DOT only respond quickly to those potholes that are considered “dangerous” to them; other potholes are considered minor. Dangerous potholes gets fixed first, while the “insignificant” ones

(according to the DOT) are left unattended for a long period of time. Regardless the significance of a pothole, every pothole is dangerous

and should be fixed in a certain amount of time!

In addition to our previous criticism, the city has established a 30 day time span, which is not being met.

Relationship Between Our Criticisms & Christian Ethics

Promotion of Common Good: structure created to give opportunities to participate and to fulfill basic needs. As stated in the previous slide, we are given opportunities to get

involved but the process is too long and can turn people away. *

Subsidiarity: responsibilities and decisions at the level nearest individual intuitive in local communities and institutions in relation to government structure that promote the common good. The government does not expand its services within communities.

Rights and Responsibilities: the right to get involved in decision making. The government claims that we as the citizens of New York should

participate more in making claims, but the government makes the decision.

Solidarity: as a whole we are responsible for the well being of each other. Part of the pothole problems are not solely the government’s fault.

Not all individuals do want to get involved and leave things unnoticed.

Our Solutions The city should undergo a series of promotions and

announcements on the procedures of pothole complaints. Advertisement on trains, buses and commercials such as

public service announcements on how to report potholes.

DOT and DEP Expansion Establishing offices in communities where residents can

go directly to report potholes and get more information. Establishing volunteer organization with people from the

community. Volunteers can receive tax reductions for their work.

The government should create DOT and DEP groups with the help of volunteers to repair certain areas.

Government should take a more active role and make potholes a priority. The should follow through by issuing penalties. In other words, city officials should follow up on the complaints

made.