Watch CBS News

Fallen Trees Remain A Problem For Those Around Westchester School

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Many trees still need to be cleared over a month after superstorm Sandy hit the Tri-State area. In some cases, it's a matter of determining who is responsible.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story

Podcast

In Hawthorne, along Linda Avenue, Gerado Chequilo says towering spruce along the permimeter Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School fell on his house and nothing has been done.

"Five other trees from the school property hit the house during the storm and the roof is right open," he told WCBS 880 reporter Sean Adams.

You have to climb over a fallen 100-foot-tall pine tree to get across Charles Henderson's backyard.

"And underneath the tree, I have a bird bath with a statuary and the statuary's head is broken off," he said. "When are they gonna clean up? I believe it's their responsibility. It's their tree. It's on my property."

The school property is owned by the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services.

A spokeswoman told the Journal News that they went door-to-door and offered to have the debris removed, but residents say there was a condition. They had to sign a waiver giving up their legal rights.

Now, the residents are considering taking the case to court.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.