Pardon my cynicism, but as a lawyer and a person intimately familiar with the workings of Pittsburgh government, let me assure you that if the errant motorist had insurance coverage, the insurer settled this claim almost as fast as it was asserted and the money has long since been mis-used by the city's irresponsible administration.  You have been routinely lied to, which is the modus operandi of Pittsburgh municipal mis-government.  Actually, the city does a horrible job of asserting and following up claims for damage to city property, unlike, for example, power and telephone companies who very systematically assert and follow up claims against motorists who collide with the utility poles that jump out in front of them (really, that's what one motorist claimed, much like the tree that jumped in front of Sonny Bono).  The wall will get repaired when enough neighborhood residents make a big enough stink and our council representative gets activated (probably in an election year).  That's how city government here works. On Thu, 8 Jul 2004 21:54:23 -0400, Bob Staresinic wrote:

Have you noticed the stone wall along the entrance to the Park along Bunkerhill Street?

For a while, there has been a section that is in disrepair.  Although I noticed it, I did not realize that it had been like that for such a long time.  I would like to thank a neighbor (Thanks Faith) who sent me a note about the situation.

I spoke with Damon Blankenship, who is in charge of the Park maintenance for City Parks.  Mr Blankenship informed me about the situation.

Apparently, the damage was done by a car driven by some Peabody students.  The City is waiting to get a settlement from the auto insurance company to pay for the repairs to the wall.

The contractor has been out to look at the damage, and has given the City an estimate of the cost.  The matter is tied up in "legal" between the City and the insurance company.

Mr Blankenship did not know how long it would be before the repairs were made.

That is all the information that I have at this time.  I will let you know if I find out anything else about getting this damage repaired.

James H. Joseph, Esq. Joseph Law Offices, P.C. 6030 Bunkerhill Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206-1156