A pothole in the Bronx has become infamous among locals, reportedly affecting cars and trucks for over a decade, and it might just be the oldest one recorded in the city.
This 4-inch-deep crater sits at the intersection of Addie and Bouquet streets in Allerton. Residents note that despite various attempts at repairs, the busy road leads to quick wear and tear on any fixes made.
Desmond Young, a Bronx resident, voiced his frustration: “I’ve been trying to avoid this hole for years.” He explained, “They fill it in every so often, and it holds up for a bit, then it just reappears, and you have to relearn how to dodge it.”
The first complaint about this pothole dates back to January 2010. Crazy, right? At 16 years old, it might even be eligible for a learner’s permit in New York—if only potholes could drive!
Long-time residents don’t see it as just an annoyance. Martin Moreira, who’s lived in the area for 50 years, describes it as a long-standing issue. She mentioned using a mobility scooter to navigate around the deep hole following her knee surgery.
Moreira expressed frustration over the repeated repairs: “Sometimes trucks come by and patch it up, but the traffic is so heavy it just breaks open again. The city needs a lasting solution.”
Jose Bonilla, who owns a nearby property, agreed, saying, “It’s always caved in. It’s like a money pit for the city.” He continued, “You can fill the hole, but it just reopens.”
Moreira highlighted another danger—it doesn’t just impact drivers; pedestrians are at risk too. She noted that during storms, the holes flood, and she hears loud clashes as vehicles hit them.
“Cars crash all day long,” she lamented, “It’s right outside my window, and the noise is relentless. Everyone hits it.”
This particular pothole has generated numerous complaints over the years, almost all marked as resolved, which raises eyebrows given the continuous problems.
The ongoing pothole crisis in New York is reportedly its worst in years. This year, citizens have reported upwards of 19,600 potholes, notably with Queens experiencing nearly half, doubling from the previous year’s count for the same period.
The situation has become dire. A tragic incident occurred recently when a 46-year-old man lost his life after crashing his stand-up scooter into a pothole in Ozone Park.
Last weekend, well over 90 workers attempted to fill more than 7,000 potholes citywide, but many union members acknowledged the workforce was insufficient to meet the demand.
Joe Puleo, president of District 37 Council Local 983, stated, “We don’t have enough professionals to address the job promptly.” He mentioned a grim expectation that not all holes would be filled until June.
The problem is so severe that a mechanic in Brooklyn has turned a profit by selling replacement tires next to a particularly troublesome crater, making up to $2,200 a night.
Young noted that he’s seen at least two additional potholes at the same intersection this year, now adapting his driving to avoid them. “It’s ridiculous. I’ve had to replace my car tire twice because of these. One rim is broken, and the steering wheel is out of whack,” he added. “Fix this thing—make it permanent.”
