A newly formed hole on a sidewalk at Tulane and Broad, just feet away from a previous repair, caused a visiting law clerk to fall, prompting calls for permanent fixes to the frequently traveled route.
Jacob McCarty, a public defender, shared his reaction to the situation.
“I absolutely would’ve lost this bet,” McCarty said.
Davis Taliaferro, a visiting law clerk at the public defender’s office, fell into the hole but was uninjured.
“I feel like I’ve cashed up some bad luck,” Taliaferro said.
Taliaferro described the incident in detail.
“There were a few cracks. This time, this piece collapsed under me, and I slowly fell into this hole,” he said.
The sidewalk is often used by attorneys heading to court, and Derrick Jones Sr., a business owner across the street, said the issue is urgent.
“I came over and I seen it, and we already knew this was going to happen. Whoever you got to call, get them out here,” Jones said.
McCarty expressed concern about the safety of the sidewalk.
“It’s definitely concerning because I would walk over it thinking I’d be totally fine, but our clients and families, it’s unnerving to think that a sidewalk could collapse under you,” he said.
Steve Nelson, deputy chief administrative officer of infrastructure, said the city is investigating the issue.
“We’re looking into this, and as soon as SWBNO confirms there are no subsurface issues, DPW will make necessary repairs. If subsurface failures are present, SWBNO will address,” Nelson said.
For those who walk the route daily, the hope is for a permanent solution.
“I’m still here, so, hopefully, that’s a good sign,” Taliaferro said.
READ MORE:Road Patrol: Man uninjured after falling into sidewalk hole; City looking into fix
