Paterson buying pothole patcher for more than $93,000
By Jayed Rahman
Published: May 6, 2020
Municipal officials are investing in a new pothole patcher to repair pockmarked streets for $93,752, according to public records.
For years, some had called for the city to purchase more equipment to better repair its roadways.
“We should all be saying hallelujah,” said councilman William McKoy, chairman of the public works committee.
The new truck will mean New Jersey’s third biggest city will have two pothole patchers.
Whitehouse-based W.E. Timmerman Co., Inc. is expected to receive the $93,752 contract to provide the patcher.
Public works director William “Billy” Rodriguez said the pothole patcher will be received in four months in response to a question by councilman Luis Velez.
Rodriguez told Velez the other patch truck will be sent back to the manufacturer to be refurbished.
Velez also asked whether public works, which is chronically understaffed, has employees to operate both trucks.
Rodriguez said he has adequate staff to put both machines into operation.
Potholes are a major problem in Paterson.
Late last month, a resident, Bilal Hajismael, filed a lawsuit against the city after allegedly tripping over a pothole. On April 4, 2018, Hajismael was crossing the roadway near 402 Pacific Street when he was allegedly caused to fall down because of a large pothole, says the lawsuit.
Hajismael was “painfully and permanently injured.”
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