Potholes in the budget
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: March 6, 2013
A recent drive down Pitcher St. left Utica resident, Anthony Pettinato with some pricey bills.
"All because of this stupid road," he said.
He says when he was headed to the post office nearby, he hit a manhole cover.
"It's sticking up about an inch and a half above the grade, and I hit it just right," he said.
Anthony was left with a damaged tire and rim, and says he had to pay for everything out of his own pocket.
He says because he didn't report the road problem in writing before the incident, the city isn't liable for the costs.
"It's kind of demoralizing," said Pettinato.
With more areas in need of repair, Assemblywoman, Claudia Tenney is asking for an increase in CHIPS funding.
It's an increase that Anthony says the city of Utica needs to help patch up roads like Pitcher St.
"The whole city roads need fixing," he said. "There's a lot of problems in the city of Utica, roads are just worn out."
Like Mr. Pettinato, The Deputy City Engineer of Utica agrees.
"The more money we can receive from CHIPs the better," said Goran Smiljic, the city's engineer.
He says if they could, they would repave all the streets but the money just isn't there.
"I personally think we should spend more money on the engineering department, but considering the budget is tight and each department is fighting for money," said Smiljic.
Both Pettinato and Smiljic say they hope Assemblywoman Tenney's efforts are successful.
"All because of this stupid road," he said.
He says when he was headed to the post office nearby, he hit a manhole cover.
"It's sticking up about an inch and a half above the grade, and I hit it just right," he said.
Anthony was left with a damaged tire and rim, and says he had to pay for everything out of his own pocket.
He says because he didn't report the road problem in writing before the incident, the city isn't liable for the costs.
"It's kind of demoralizing," said Pettinato.
With more areas in need of repair, Assemblywoman, Claudia Tenney is asking for an increase in CHIPS funding.
It's an increase that Anthony says the city of Utica needs to help patch up roads like Pitcher St.
"The whole city roads need fixing," he said. "There's a lot of problems in the city of Utica, roads are just worn out."
Like Mr. Pettinato, The Deputy City Engineer of Utica agrees.
"The more money we can receive from CHIPs the better," said Goran Smiljic, the city's engineer.
He says if they could, they would repave all the streets but the money just isn't there.
"I personally think we should spend more money on the engineering department, but considering the budget is tight and each department is fighting for money," said Smiljic.
Both Pettinato and Smiljic say they hope Assemblywoman Tenney's efforts are successful.
