Concrete Replacement in Greenwich Village, Manhattan

When Should Village Concrete Be Replaced Instead of Patched?

Replace concrete when cracks run through the slab, the surface flakes away, the slab rocks underfoot or water drains toward the building. A patch cannot fix a failed base or a lost slope. In older Village buildings, those problems are common after many winters.

Federal, Greek Revival and Italianate row houses, along with tenements and pre war co ops, all have concrete at the edges of the building. Areaways at the front, small yards behind and storefront frontages on streets like Bleecker take daily wear.

Near Washington Square and along Fifth Avenue, pre war co ops and university buildings have their own entrance slabs and service areas. Those see heavy use from residents, students and deliveries, and the concrete wears quickly.

Mature trees make it harder. Roots push slabs up and crack them, and leaves clog drains. Concrete near a tree often fails faster than concrete in the open.

What Landmarks and Permit Rules Apply to Concrete Here?

The Greenwich Village, South Village and MacDougal Sullivan Gardens historic districts cover much of the area, so visible exterior concrete can need Landmarks review. Sidewalk concrete needs a DOT permit, while structural work and curb cuts can need DOB permits. Confirm current rules with the city.

A rear garden slab behind a row house is usually hidden from the street, which can simplify things. A front areaway is visible and is more likely to be reviewed.

Concrete in the public sidewalk generally needs a DOT permit, and our office files it. Work that stays inside your lot does not use that permit, but retaining walls, structural slabs and curb cuts can still need DOB approval.

If a city violation brought you here, see how sidewalk violations are handled before you plan the pour.

What about the tree roots?

Roots of street trees cannot be cut without approval from NYC Parks. We pour around them, and we shape the slab so the roots have room.