Juan Corrales, a Houston resident, was left frustrated when city contractors used his property as a dumping ground and left his driveway unfinished for eight months.
Despite his complaints, the contractors were paid in full. Mr Corrales simply wanted his driveway to be repaired like his neighbours’, but instead his property was neglected and turned into a dump site for construction debris. He contacted city hall to highlight the broken system that fails to hold contractors accountable. The city’s Pedestrian Accessibility Review Programme had been working to upgrade pavements and driveways in the neighbourhood, but Corrales’ property was overlooked and left in disarray. Despite his efforts to seek answers, the situation remained unresolved until the city finally committed to cleaning up and completing the repairs by mid-May. This experience highlights the difficulties residents face when dealing with city projects and the importance of documenting any damage or neglect that may occur.
- Take clear photos and videos of the issue, including timestamps if possible, and keep a record of all interactions with city departments or contractors.
- Submit a formal complaint.
Most major U.S. cities, such as Houston, have a 311 system or an online portal for service requests. Originally introduced in Baltimore in 2001, the 311 service has since been adopted by numerous large cities, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Washington, D.C.
When contacting 311, ensure you have detailed notes and all necessary documentation. - Follow up persistently.
Simply filing a complaint once may not suffice. It is advisable to follow up by making additional calls, sending emails and, if necessary, escalating the issue to higher authorities, including your city council representative. - Inquire about compensation.
Some cities may offer compensation or reimbursement for damages, but you usually have to request it. However, approval is not guaranteed, and the eligibility criteria can be stringent. - Seek legal counsel.
If your property sustains significant damage, or if you suspect fraud, it may be advisable to consult a lawyer or a consumer advocacy group. You should also check whether the contractor is bonded or insured, as this could provide an alternative way to make a claim.
Further reading:
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Discover the five items that Americans tend to overpay for and quickly regret. Find out if any of these purchases are having a negative impact on your finances.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice. It is provided without any guarantees or warranties.
