Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
Borough President Molinaro to homeowners: prune your property to improve traffic safety
Overgrown Trees and Hedges Block Road Signs and Traffic Signals
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – In his ongoing initiative to improve traffic safety, Borough President James P. Molinaro today is asking Staten Island homeowners to do their part by trimming trees and hedges on their property that block road signs and signals. Molinaro also asks Islanders who spot such hazardous locations to report them to his Helpline at (718) 816-2000.
“Unfortunately, a drive along many Staten Island roads provides ample evidence of traffic hazards in the form of overgrown trees, hedges, and high weeds that are covering traffic lights, stop signs, and other safety signals,” said Molinaro. “With all the rain we’ve had this Spring, many homeowners may be unaware that their property is literally ‘branching out’ into the street and posing a traffic hazard.”
Molinaro wants to remind homeowners that Section 1115 of New York State traffic law prohibits the interference with official traffic-control devices, including stop signs and yield signs. In addition, Section 319 of New York City Highway Law prohibits private trees and shrubs from blocking road signs.
The Borough President said that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin mailing letters to Staten Island homeowners whose trees and hedges block road signs, requesting that they comply with City law and prune the hazardous vegetation.
“Clearing these danger zones will help prevent traffic and pedestrian accidents,” Molinaro said. “It is time to start enforcing the guidelines that are in place. I hope that Staten Islanders will be responsive to my request to complete the necessary pruning before the DOT takes enforcement action, which can include significant fines.”
Last year, Molinaro allocated $1 million in capital funding to the Trees & Sidewalk Repair Program to fix sidewalks damaged by the roots of street trees at no cost to the homeowner.
A copy of the relevant New York State law is attached, along with a sample letter that DOT will send to homeowners
June 20, 2006