Crews fix sidewalk after News 4 report

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - An Amherst man's complaints about sagging sidewalks got nowhere, until he called News 4. Investigative reporter Luke Moretti got results in just 48 hours.

News 4 met with Jim Delgaudio on Wednesday, who showed us the sections of sidewalk that settled in front of his home.

"Someone's going to get hurt," he worried.

Delgaudiom wrote News 4 a letter when he couldn't get any answers from local government. We immediately went to work making phone calls. Within hours, Delgaudio had answers.

MORE | See the original report, and the eight-inch difference in sidewalk height that worried Delgaudio

The Town of Amherst and the Erie County Water Authority told News 4 Delgaudio's sidewalk, and another up the street that we discovered by walking around the neighborhood, would be fixed. In both cases, a shutoff valve for hydrants was embedded in the sidewalk.

"It wasn't just the fact that I wanted a new sidewalk. It was a health hazard. And so for that fact alone, I mean it had to get done one way or the other," Delgaudio said.

And it did get done. Within 48 hours of our report, work crews were on the job, adjusting the shutoff valves and preparing to pour concrete.

"I don't think it would have happened. In fact, I know it wouldn't have happened this fast if Channel 4 didn't get involved," Delgaudio said.

But now with fresh concrete flowing, the problem is now fixed, and Delgaudio is one relieved homeowner.

"You guys got accomplished what I tried to do. Working the phones, talking to people, getting the runaround. And I can't believe I'm getting a new sidewalk in two days. I got to hand it to you. You got it done," he said.

Delgaudio also tells News 4 he's appreciative to the Town of Amherst and the Erie County Water Authority for following through on what was promised.