Pothole Problems Multiply

Be very careful when you walk or drive in New York City. Pothole complaints rose a jarring 71.5% in fiscal year 2008 up to 17,612 in number. Street grievances include “jagged holes,” manhole cover issues and catch basin problems. City officials claim the increase is directly related to Mayor Bloomberg’s new Street Conditions Observation Unit (Scout program). This initiative records quality-of-life issues on handheld devices for greater accuracy and response. True or not, we’ll see if next years’ report shows at least a 71.5 % increase in the number of plugged potholes.