Tough news on sidewalk repair

Over the years, massive tree roots have buckled the sidewalk in front of Deborah and David Martin's Woodland Hills home - creating a dream ramp for skateboarders, but an unsightly two-foot-high obstacle for pedestrians. Tony Castro in the Daily News.

"We have no usable sidewalk," says Deborah Martin, "I imagine it would cost thousands of dollars to repair."

Traditionally, the city would pick up the tab for repairing the walkway because the now 100-foot tree was planted on a public easement.

But the City Council will consider a plan over the next few weeks to pass on all the costs for sidewalk repair - which could range from $3,000 to $5,000 - to homeowners like the Martins. That would not only increase their bills, but shift liability to homeowners for trip-and-fall incidents on sidewalks, likely raising homeowner insurance premiums.