By Christopher Blakeslee

cblakeslee@post-journal.com

Potholes are popping up seemingly everywhere as Chautauqua County residents deal with the type of winter that use to be common but isn’t seen as often these days.

While the potholes on East Second Street get the most attention, there are plenty throughout the region that have drivers taking evasive action, including near WalMart in Lakewood, Baker Street Extension past the city limits and on Harrison Street near Chautauqua Brick.

Vince Liuzzo posted a video to Facebook with the caption, “Running the gauntlet! Adrenaline seekers look no further.”

Also on the same Facebook thread, Alison Bernik-Hosier of Panama wrote, “that is ridiculous- also… have you been down Fairmount between the mall and Wal-Mart- you’ll lose the whole passenger side of your car in those holes.”

And Michelle Fay Allen, a resident of Jamestown commented, “you literally must drive the center lane and hope you don’t get pulled over.”

As reported recently by The Post-Journal, Jamestown’s elected officials are applying pressure to the state to fix the unsightly potholes.

“I want to reassure the public that we are not just sitting on our hands, not engaging with the state, not engaging in conversations with our state leaders,” said Mayor Kim Ecklund. “My office and myself personally have spoken in depth with Assemblyman Andrew Molitor (R-150) and Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay about it and they are taking it up the chain to the DOT (New York Department of Transportation.) I do know someone was down here today and looked at it.”

However, for one resident the potholes have already allegedly struck his car and caused damage.

“I was driving on Second Street just past 7-Eleven, and I hit one of those big buggers,” said 23-year old Mateo Mercado-Berrios, a native of Aguada, Puerto Rico. “I hit so hard it turned on my headlights and I spilled my coffee all over the inside of my whip (car).”

According to the state Transportation Department website, the department is authorized by the state Finance Law to pay claims for damages, up to a $5,000 maximum

To file a pothole claim in New York state, you can:

– Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle.

– Report the pothole: Call the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) at 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653).

– Get an estimate: Get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic and get two quotes for repairs.

– File a claim: Depending on the circumstances, you may need to:

– Complete the Vehicle Damage Claim Form (TA-W1552) and mail it to the New York State Thruway Authority

– Complete the DC 30-2 form if the pothole was on a road maintained by the Department of Transportation

– File a claim with your insurance company.

Claims can als be filed in Jamestown at the Jamestown City Court or with an insurance provider. There is a claim form available at City Hall. There is a filing fee of $15 for claims of $1,000 or less and $20 for claims of $1,001-$5,000.

Claims can also be reported to insurance companies, with supporting documentation like photos, estimates or police reports accepted.