Preview
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF KINGS
------------------------------------------------------------------------x
COLEEN HALL,
Plaintiff, 503143/2014E
-against-
THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
Defendant.
------------------------------------------------------------------------x
MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT’S
MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
305 Broadway, 7th Floor
MOUTONDELL’ANNO
MOUTONDELL’ANNO LLP New York, NY 10007
Phone & Fax: (646) 706-7481
1 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES ...................................................................................................... iv
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ................................................................................................. 1
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY ................................................................................. 1
I. PLAINTIFF’S ACCIDENT ............................................................................................. 1
II. JOHN LAQUARA’S QUALFICATIONS TO TESTIFY .............................................. 2
III. DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SNOW BOOK AND CARTING BOOK ............ 3
1. Snow Book ...................................................................................................................... 3
2. Carting Book ................................................................................................................... 4
IV. ROUTE DESIGNATIONS FOR SUBJECT LOCATION ............................................ 4
V. SNOW REMOVAL PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 5
1. Preparations..................................................................................................................... 5
2. Decision-Making Procedures .......................................................................................... 5
3. Snow Plowing Procedures .............................................................................................. 5
4. Snow Clearing Operations .............................................................................................. 6
5. Snow Piling Procedures .................................................................................................. 6
6. Ice Clearing Procedures .................................................................................................. 7
7. Reporting Procedures ...................................................................................................... 8
8. Supervision Procedures ................................................................................................... 8
VI. EVENTS LEADING THROUGH THE ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 17, 2013 ....... 8
1. December 8, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 8
a. Weather ....................................................................................................................... 8
b. Operations ................................................................................................................... 8
2. December 9, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 9
a. Weather ....................................................................................................................... 9
b. Operations ................................................................................................................... 9
3. December 10, 2013 ......................................................................................................... 9
a. Weather ....................................................................................................................... 9
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 10
i
2 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
4. December 11, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 10
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 10
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 11
5. December 12, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 11
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 11
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 12
6. December 13, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 12
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 12
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 13
7. December 14, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 13
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 13
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 14
8. December 15, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 15
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 15
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 16
9. December 16, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 17
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 17
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 17
10. December 17, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 18
a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 18
b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 20
STANDARD OF REVIEW ........................................................................................................ 24
ARGUMENT ............................................................................................................................... 26
I. DEFENDANT THE CITY OF NEW YORK DID NOT MEET ITS BURDEN IN
MOVING FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, AS IT HAD A REASONABLE PERIOD OF
TIME WITHIN WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF THE SUBJECT ICY
CONDITION AND FAILED TO REMEDIATE IT IN THE EXERCISE OF
REASONABLE CARE ........................................................................................................... 26
II. DEFENDANT THE CITY OF NEW YORK IS LIABLE FOR CREATING THE ICE
CONDITION THAT PLAINTIFF SLIPPED ON ................................................................ 27
1. Defendant City of New York Created the Subject Icy Condition When Plowing During
the December 14-15, 2013 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Shift ....................................................... 28
ii
3 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
2. Defendant City of New York Compounded the Subject Icy Condition When Plowing
After Alternate Side Parking Was No Longer Suspended As of December 16, 2013.......... 32
a. Plows Pushed the Snow That Fell From December 8, 2013 Through December 15,
2013 To the Right Into the Parking Lane.......................................................................... 32
b. Snow Would Have Remained In The Parking Lane Through the Morning of
December 17, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 33
c. Snow From the Parking Lane Would Have Been Pushed Back To the Left and Into
the Roadway and Crushed Once Alternate Side Parking Was No Longer Suspended ..... 34
d. The Plowing into and Crushing of Snow in the Middle of the Roadway When the
Alternate Side Parking Suspension Was Lifted Compounded the Subject Icy Condition 36
3. The Precipitation That Occurred on December 17, 2013 Did Not Cause the Subject Icy
Condition To Form ............................................................................................................... 38
III. DEFENDANT THE CITY OF NEW YORK HAD A REASONABLE PERIOD OF
TIME WITHIN WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF THE ICY
CONDITION AND FAILED TO REMEDIATE IT IN THE EXERCISE OF
REASONABLE CARE ........................................................................................................... 41
1. The Subject Ice Was Present For a Reasonable Period of Time Within Which
Defendant City of New York Should Have Remedied It ..................................................... 42
2. Defendant City of New York Failed to Timely Remedy the Subject Icy Condition .... 43
IV. PLAINTIFF’S AFFIDAVIT IS NOT FEIGNED AND MUST BE CONSIDERED .. 46
V. ANY NEW MATTERS OR ISSUES THAT MAY BE RAISED FOR THE FIRST
TIME IN DEFENDANT’S REPLY PAPERS MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED IN
SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT’S MOTION .......................................................................... 46
VI. PLAINTIFF’S EXPERT AFFIDAVITS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED .................... 47
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 49
iii
4 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
Cases
Achtziger v. Merz Metal & Machine Corp.,
27 A.D.3d 1137, 1138 (4th Dep’t 2006) ........................................................................... 28
Barco v. Green Bus Lines, Inc.,
62 A.D.3d 923, 924 (2d Dep’t 2009) ................................................................................ 46
Baulieu v. Ardsley Associates, L.P.,
85 A.D.3d 554, 555 (1st Dep’t 2011) ............................................................................... 47
Chaudhry v. East Buffet & Rest.,
24 A.D.3d 493, 494 (2d Dep’t 2005) ............................................................................... 27
Church v. Callanan Industries, Inc.,
99 N.Y.2d 104, 113 (2002) ............................................................................................... 28
Cohen v. Herbal Concepts, Inc.,
100 A.D.2d 175, 177 (1st Dep’t 1984) ............................................................................. 26
Cooke v. City of New York,
300 A.D.2d 338, 339 (2d Dep’t 2002) .............................................................................. 41
County Oil Co., Inc. v. Bayview Owners Corp.,
181 A.D.2d 809, 809 (2d Dep’t 1992) .............................................................................. 25
Creighton v. Milbauer,
191 A.D.2d 162, 166 (1st Dep’t 1991) ............................................................................. 25
Cumbo v. Dormitory Authority of State of New York,
71 A.D.3d 1513, 1514-1515 (4th Dep’t 2010).................................................................. 28
Dauman Displays, Inc. v. Masturzo,
168 A.D.2d 204, 205 (1st Dep’t 1990) ............................................................................. 25
Decision Concepts, Inc. v. Citibank, N.A.,
91 A.D.2d 965, 965 (1st Dep’t 1983) ............................................................................... 25
Derdiarian v. Felix Contractor Corp.,
51 N.Y.2d 308, 313-317 (1980) ........................................................................................ 28
DiGiantomasso v. City of N.Y.,
55 A.D.3d 502, 503 (1st Dep’t 2008) ............................................................................... 25
iv
5 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
Downing v. Screiber,
176 A.D.2d 781, 782 (2d Dep’t 1991) .............................................................................. 25
Enamorado v. KHR Holding Co., LLC,
24 A.D.3d 411, 412-413 (2d Dep’t 2005) ........................................................................ 46
Espinal v. Melville Snow Contractors, Inc.,
98 N.Y.2d 136, 142-143 (2002) ........................................................................................ 28
Esteve v. Abad,
271 A.D. 725, 727 (1st Dep’t 1947) ................................................................................. 25
Falk v. Goodman,
7 N.Y.2d 87, 91 (1959) ..................................................................................................... 24
Feratovic v. Lun Wah, Inc.,
284 A.D.2d 368, 369 (2d Dep’t 2001) .............................................................................. 47
Friedman v. Stauber,
18 A.D.3d 606, 607 (2d Dep’t 2005) ................................................................................ 27
Gale v. Kessler,
93 A.D.2d 744, 745 (1st Dep’t 1983) ............................................................................... 26
Gayle v. City of N.Y.,
92 N.Y.2d 936, 937 (1998) ............................................................................................... 26
Glick & Dolleck, Inc. v. Tri-Pac Export Corp.,
22 N.Y.2d 439, 441 (1968) ............................................................................................... 24
Gloria v. MGM Emerald Enterprises, Inc.,
298 A.D.2d 355 (2d Dep’t 2002) ...................................................................................... 27
Grau v. Taxter Park Assocs.,
283 A.D.2d 551, 552 (2d Dep’t 2001) ............................................................................. 27
Hollender v. Fred Cammann Productions, Inc.,
78 A.D.2d 233, 237 (1st Dep’t 1980) ............................................................................... 26
Holliday v Hudson Armored Car & Courier Service, Inc.,
301 A.D.2d 392, 395 (1st Dep’t 2003) ............................................................................. 26
Hoyte v. Epstein,
12 A.D.3d 487, 488 (2d Dep’t 2004) ................................................................................ 47
v
6 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
Jacobs v. Nussbaum,
100 A.D.3d 702, 703 (2d Dep’t 2012) .............................................................................. 47
Janota v. City of New York,
297 N.Y. 942 (1948) ......................................................................................................... 42
Kantor v Leisure Glen Homeowners Assn., Inc.,
95 A.D.3d 1177, 1177 (2d Dep’t 2012) ............................................................................ 27
Kiss Construction NY, Inc. v. Rutgers Casualty Insurance Co.,
61 A.D.3d 412, 414 (1st Dep’t 2009) ............................................................................... 46
Klimis v. Lopez,
290 A.D.2d 538, 538 (2d Dep’t 2002) .............................................................................. 47
Kozlowski v. Oana,
102 A.D.3d 751, 752 (2d Dep’t 2013) .............................................................................. 47
LeMaire v. Kuncham,
102 A.D.3d 659, 661 (2d Dep’t 2013) .............................................................................. 47
Lopez v. City of New York,
290 A.D.2d 539, 539-540 (2d Dep’t 2002) ....................................................................... 27
Lowe v. Bennett,
122 A.D.2d 728, 729 (1st Dep't 1986) .............................................................................. 24
Lynch v. City of Yonkers,
292 A.D.2d 572, 573 (2d Dep’t 2002) ............................................................................. 46
Matter of Keyes v. City of N.Y.,
89 A.D.3d 1086, 1087 (2d Dep’t 2011) ............................................................................ 47
Matter of Siegel,
90 A.D.3d 937 (2d Dep’t 2011) ........................................................................................ 24
Matter of Wright v. City of N.Y.,
99 A.D.3d 717, 719 (2d Dep’t 2012) ................................................................................ 47
Mazzella v. City of New York,
72 A.D.3d 755, 756 (2d Dep’t 2010) ................................................................................ 41
McLaughlin v. Thaima Realty Corp.,
vi
7 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
161 A.D.2d 383, 384 (1st Dep’t 1990) ............................................................................. 25
Meadowbrook Nat’l Bank of Freeport v. Ferkin,
303 N.Y. 853, 853 (N.Y. 1952) ........................................................................................ 26
Nicholas Dimenna & Sons, Inc. v. City of N.Y.,
301 N.Y. 118, 121 (1950) ................................................................................................. 24
Palomo v. 175th Street Realty Corp.,
101 A.D.3d 579, 580 (1st Dep’t 2012) ............................................................................. 47
Perre v. Town of Poughkeepsie,
300 A.D.2d 379, 380 (2d Dep’t 2002) .............................................................................. 47
Piecyk v. Otis Elevator Co.,
164 A.D.2d 816, 817 (1st Dep’t 1990) ............................................................................. 24
Powell v. MLG Hillside Associates, L.P.,
290 A.D.2d 345, 345-46 (1st Dep’t 2002)) ....................................................................... 41
Rak v. County Fair, Inc.,
38 A.D.3d 1240, 1241 (4th Dep’t 2007) ........................................................................... 28
Rivers v. Birnbaum,
102 A.D.3d 26, 36-37 (2d Dep’t 2012) ............................................................................. 47
Rodriguez v. N.Y. Housing Authority,
194 A.D.2d 460, 462 (1st Dep’t 1993) ............................................................................. 25
Roman v. 233 Broadway Owners, LLC,
99 A.D.3d 882, 885-886 (2d Dep’t 2012) ......................................................................... 48
Saez-Quinones v. YFC Intl. Trading, Inc.,
30 Misc. 3d 1227(A) at 7 (N.Y. Cnty. Sup. Ct. 2011) ...................................................... 26
Salvanti v. Sunset Indus. Park Assocs.,
27 A.D.3d 546, 546-547 (2d Dep’t 2006) ......................................................................... 27
Schneider v Kings Highway Hospital Center,
67 N.Y.2d 743 (1986) ....................................................................................................... 26
Sillman v. Twentieth Century-Fox, Inc.,
3 N.Y.2d 395, 404 (1957) ................................................................................................. 26
vii
8 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
Supan v. Michelfeld,
97 A.D.2d 755, 756 (2d Dep’t 1983) ................................................................................ 25
Teplitskaya v. 3096 Owners Corp.,
289 A.D.2d 477, 477-478 (2d Dep’t 2001) ....................................................................... 24
Valentine v. City of New York,
86 A.D.2d 381, 383 (1st Dep’t 1982), aff’d, 57 N.Y.2d 932 (1982) ................................ 41
Voytek Technology v. Rapid Access Consulting, Inc.,
279 A.D.2d 470, 471 (2d Dep’t 2001) .............................................................................. 47
Winegrad v. N.Y.U. Medical Center,
64 N.Y.2d 851, 853 (1985) ............................................................................................... 24
Zuckerman v. City of New York,
49 N.Y.2d 557, 562 (1980) ............................................................................................... 24
Statutes
CPLR § 3101(d) ...................................................................................................................... 47, 48
CPLR § 3212....................................................................................................................... 1, 24, 49
viii
9 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Plaintiff Coleen Hall submits the instant opposition to Defendant’s motion which seeks an
Order pursuant to CPLR § 3212 granting summary judgment to Defendant The City of New York
and dismissing the Complaint. For the reasons set forth herein, Defendant’s requests for relief
should be denied in their entirety.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
This action is based, inter alia, on Defendant’s negligent maintenance and management of
the roadway at the intersection of East 91st Street and Clarkson Avenue in Brooklyn by and
through their employees. See, generally Complaint, annexed to Defendant’s Motion for Summary
Judgment dated August 15, 2016, currently before the Court (“Defendant’s Motion”) within
Exhibit B (“Exh. B”).
I. PLAINTIFF’S ACCIDENT
On December 17, 2013, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Coleen Hall fractured her right wrist
in two places in an accident as she was coming home from work. See 50-H Transcript of Plaintiff
Coleen Hall (“Plaintiff’s 50-H”), annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. C at pp. 7:12-19 &
8:8-14. Ms. Hall had exited a bus at Remsen and Clarkson Avenue and was walking home. Id. at
pp. 8:22-23 & 9:9-11. Ms. Hall was wearing boots at the time of her accident. Id. at p. 11:10-12.
It was not raining or snowing at the time Ms. Hall fell. Id. at p. 9:20-22. However, there
was still snow on the ground on the date of Plaintiff’s accident. Id. at pp. 10:17 – 11:9 (There was
substantial snow on the ground prior to Plaintiff’s accident that day in the area between 60 Bay
Street in Staten Island and the Staten Island Ferry terminal, and between the Staten Island Ferry
terminal in Manhattan and to where she picked up the bus to go home.). Ms. Hall was walking
1 / 49
10 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
home along Clarkson Avenue from where the bus let her out at Remsen and Clarkson Avenue. Id.
at pp. 8:30 – 9:13.
Ms. Hall’s accident occurred in the middle of the crosswalk as she was crossing East 91st
Street by its intersection with Clarkson Avenue. Id. at pp. 12:4 – 13:10 & 14:5-23; see also Google
Map printout of subject crosswalk, annexed to the Affirmation of Nicholas W. Dell’Anno dated
February 21, 2017, (“Dell’Anno Aff.”) as Exh. 1. Plaintiff had been crossing the crosswalk at a
regular pace and did not see snow or ice in the crosswalk before she fell. See Plaintiff’s 50-H,
Defendant’s Motion, Exh. C at pp. 13:11-14 & 13:25 – 14:4. When Ms. Hall got to the middle of
the crosswalk, she slipped and fell. Id. at pp. 14:24 – 15:15. After she fell, she realized that there
was slippery black ice where she was walking. Id. at p. 16:8-15.
II. JOHN LAQUARA’S QUALFICATIONS TO TESTIFY
Defendant City of New York produced John Laquara for a deposition in this matter. At
the time of his deposition, John Laquara was working at the New York City Department of
Sanitation for more than three years and was a supervisor. See Deposition of John Laquara taken
on October 6, 2015, (“Laquara Dep.”) annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. D at pp. 6:24
– 7:9. Mr. Laquara had previously been a sanitation worker whose job duties with the New York
City Department of Sanitation included plowing streets to clear snow from the street on
approximately forty occasions. Id. at pp. 8:12-18 & 9:8-21. He would plow with a collection truck
and would use salt spreaders. Id. at pp. 9:22 – 10:13. The sanitation workers would have shovels
with them while plowing. Id. at p. 10:17-22. All of this equipment was still being used at the time
of Mr. Laquara’s deposition. Id. at pp. 10:25 – 11:5. At the time of the subject accident, he was
2 / 49
11 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
working in Brooklyn North 17. Id. at p. 33:11-14. Brooklyn North 17 could have had more than
six routes at the time. Id. at pp. 33:11-14 & 55:11-25; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D.
III. DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SNOW BOOK AND CARTING BOOK
1. Snow Book
The New York City Department of Sanitation would maintain what is called a snow book,
which is also called a snow operations book. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at
pp. 26:13-20 & 27:8-17. The snow book that Defendant The City of New York produced was
from Brooklyn North 17. Id. at 33:11-14 & 55:2-10; Snow Book, annexed to Defendant’s Motion
within Exh. D. The snow book contains entries for primary routes, secondary routes, tertiary
routes, and crosswalks. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 33:11-14; Snow
Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. Mr. Laquara testified that primary routes are main roads and
are the first routes that are plowed or salted. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp.
71:20 – 72:4.
The “S.S.” in the snow book stands for salt spreader”. Id. at pp. 33:11-14 & 34:15-17;
Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. Where “100” is indicated in the snow book under the
“Percentage Completed” section, it purports that one-hundred percent of the work was completed
at the portions of those routes where a “100” is listed. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion,
Exh. D at pp. 34:18 – 35:19; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. According to Mr.
Laquara’s testimony, when a zero is indicated in the snow book, it means that no route was
assigned for the particular type of work indicated at the portions of the routes where zero is listed.
See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 35:20 – 36:8;Snow Book, Defendant’s
Motion, Exh. D. When “not applicable” is indicated with respect to crosswalks, it means that no
3 / 49
12 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
orders were given to sanitation workers to shovel crosswalks on the particulars shift indicated. See
Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 33:11-14 & 50:9-16; Snow Book, Defendant’s
Motion, Exh. D.
There is another section of the snow book that indicates that snow piles need to be removed.
See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 33:11-14 & 39:7-10; Snow Book,
Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D.
2. Carting Book
A carting book lists all of the equipment that would have left a garage on a shift on a
particular day, who was on that equipment, and who their supervisors were. See Laquara Dep.,
Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 26:18 – 27:3 & 65:10 – 66:3. The second page of the carting
book for each shift indicates the weather and temperature. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion,
Exh. D at 65:10-21 & 68:5-12; Portion of Carting Book marked as Plaintiff’s Exh. 2 dated October
6, 2015, annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. D.
IV. ROUTE DESIGNATIONS FOR SUBJECT LOCATION
The roadway of East 91st Street by Clarkson Avenue falls within Secondary Route Number
Two for Brooklyn North 17. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 70:15 – 71:19;
Salt Spreader Route marked as Plaintiff’s Exhibit 3 dated October 6, 2015, annexed to Defendant’s
Motion, Exh. D.
The roadway of Clarkson Avenue by East 91st Street falls within primary route number
three for Brooklyn North 17. See Missing Page 77 of Laquara Dep., annexed to Dell’Anno Aff.
as Exh. 2 at p. 77:21-25; Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 78:2-23; Salt Spreader
4 / 49
13 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
Route marked as Plaintiff’s Exhibit 7 dated October 6, 2015, annexed to Defendant’s Motion, Exh.
D.
V. SNOW REMOVAL PROCEDURES
1. Preparations
Snow alerts inform the Department of Sanitation what the weather forecast is and how
much equipment and manpower should be made ready for the storm. See Laquara Dep.,
Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 28:5-16. In response to a snow forecast, preparations can be
made to put plows on the sanitation trucks. Id. at pp. 28:17 – 29:9.
2. Decision-Making Procedures
Decisions pertaining to how snow removal should be done are sent from operations to the
borough, then from the borough to the Department of Sanitation superintendent at the district level,
who then sends the decisions to the supervisor. Id. at pp. 30:2-11 & 59:4-11. Mr. Laquara testified
that supervisors do not make any actual decisions as to how snow removal is to be performed. Id.
at p. 30:12-16.
3. Snow Plowing Procedures
When plowing streets, snow plows push all of the snow to the right lane towards the
parking lane. Id. at pp. 13:21 – 14:10. Salt spreaders can also be used as plows. Id. at pp. 14:21
– 15:3.
Mr. Laquara testified that shovels would be used to remove snow at crosswalks at the
sidewalk corners, as well as catch basins. Id. at pp. 15:17 – 16:16. The New York City Department
of Sanitation provides specific instructions for clearing snow from crosswalks, namely that:
a) Not one crosswalk is to be skipped on an assigned route;
5 / 49
14 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
b) Snow must first be shoveled or panned one shovel length in from the curb;
c) Snow from the crosswalk must then be shoveled/plowed into the traffic
lanes without blocking those lanes; and
d) Third, salt must be spread on corner caps and crosswalks where necessary.
See Crosswalk Clearing Procedures, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 11.
4. Snow Clearing Operations
Once alternate side parking is no longer suspended, a clearing operation ensues which
involves plowing the snow that had been pushed into the parking lane back out into the street. See
Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 16:17 – 17:8. The plows would be angled left
to push snow towards the left during a clearing operation. Id. at pp. 20:22 – 21:6. After the snow
is pushed out of the parking lane and back onto the street, other plows would come and crush the
snow. Id. at pp. 16:17 – 17:8.
5. Snow Piling Procedures
Snow pile removal would occur when the Department of Sanitation piles snow from a
heavy snowstorm and sends front end loaders to remove the piles. Id. at pp. 33:11-14 & 39:11-
21; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. The piles are made by front end loaders which are
used to pile the snow in a particular area. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at 40:4-
8. Snow pile removal would be done to get the snow piles off of the street for the benefit of snow
melters or for a hauling operation. Id. at p. 39:7-21.
If one plow goes across an intersection and another plow goes across the intersecting street,
it could cause snow to pile up higher at the corners of that intersection. Id. at pp. 79:18 – 81:6.
Those higher piles of snow would have to be removed if large enough. Id. at p. 81:7-21.
6 / 49
15 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
6. Ice Clearing Procedures
After the snow plows pass, the salt spreaders are used. Id. at p. 14:11-20. Salt spreaders
can also be used as plows. Id. at pp. 14:21 – 15:3.
When icy conditions are expected, salt should be spread to prevent black ice from forming.
Id. at p. 107:15-25. Salt should also be spread to prevent melted snow from refreezing into ice.
Id. at p. 108:2-8. If it were to rain after the Department of Sanitation plowed and snow had
accumulated at the side of the road, the Department of Sanitation should continue salting. Id. at
p. 108:13-23. However, Mr. Laquara testified that no steps are taken to prevent icy conditions or
compacted snow or ice from accumulating inside of a pothole or defect in the roadway. Id. at pp.
109:13 – 110:10.
The New York City Department of Sanitation provides specific instructions for clearing
ice from crosswalks, namely that:
a) Not one crosswalk is to be skipped on an assigned route;
b) Ice must first be shoveled or panned one shovel length in from the curb;
c) Ice from the crosswalk must then be shoveled/plowed into the traffic lanes
without blocking those lanes; and
d) Third, salt must be spread on corner caps and crosswalks where necessary.
See Crosswalk Clearing Procedures, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 11.
When riding the spreaders, operators were instructed to not spread salt on road surfaces
that show no sign of snow or ice. See Email pertaining to Salting Instructions dated December 8,
2013, (“Salting Instructions Email”) annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 12. Mr. Laquara testified
7 / 49
16 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
that no sanitation worker would actually get out of the truck to look for black ice. See Laquara
Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 94:15-20.
7. Reporting Procedures
Each crew sent out for snow would report what they did and their progress. Id. at pp. 18:20
– 19:5. This report would be passed onto the next crew shift by the supervisor so that the next
shift could pick up from where the prior shift left off. Id. at pp. 18:20 – 19:5. The supervisors
would also make a report as to what was done on their shift for the next shift, and the report would
be added to the snow book. Id. at p. 19:6-11.
8. Supervision Procedures
After a plowing operation has been performed, supervisors are supposed to go via car to
drive the entire route to observe whether or not the crews under their supervision completed the
work on the their crew’s assigned routes. Id. at pp. 17:17 – 18:19. If a route was not satisfactorily
cleared, the supervisor would make a notation and ensure that it is done again. Id. at p. 19:12-18.
VI. EVENTS LEADING THROUGH THE ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 17, 2013
1. December 8, 2013
a. Weather
On December 8, 2013, during the 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift, it was rainy and twenty-
seven (27) degrees. See Portion of Carting Book, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 3 at pp. 1-2.
The weather for the 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. shift and the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift during
December 8, 2013, does not appear in the carting book produced by Defendant The City of New
York. See Dell’Anno Aff. at ¶ 6; See generally, Portion of Carting Book, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 3.
b. Operations
8 / 49
17 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
On December 8, 2013, during the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift, a spreader was assigned to
Primary Route Three, while also covering one secondary routes and two tertiary routes, though
there is no indication as to how much if any salt was utilized. See Portions of Spreading Operation
Sheets, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 4 at p. 1. Also on December 8, 2013, during the 4:00 p.m. to midnight
shift, a spreader was assigned to Secondary Route Two, while also covering two primary routes
and one other secondary route, indicating that only a half load of salt was spread. Id. at p. 2.
2. December 9, 2013
a. Weather
On December 9, 2013, during the 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. shift, it was rainy and thirty-two
(32) degrees. See Portion of Carting Book, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. Exh. 3 at pp. 3-4. During
the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift, it was cloudy and forty (40) degrees. Id. at pp. 5-8. During the
4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift, it was rainy and thirty-nine (39) degrees. Id. at pp. 7-8.
b. Operations
On December 9, 2013, during the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift, a spreader was assigned to
Secondary Route Two, while also covering on tertiary route and two other secondary routes,
though the indication is that it only spot-salted and there is no indication as to how much if any
salt was utilized. See Portions of Spreading Operation Sheets, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 4 at p. 3.
3. December 10, 2013
a. Weather
On December 10, 2013, during the 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. shift, it was cloudy and thirty-
eight (38) degrees. See Portion of Carting Book, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 3 at pp. 9-10. During the
9 / 49
18 of 59
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift, it was snowing and thirty-four (34) degrees. Id. at pp. 9-12. During
the 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift, it was clear and thirty-two (32) degrees. Id. at pp 13-14.
Approximately 2.8 inches of snow fell, with some sleet and freezing rain, during the
December 8-10, 2013, period. Affidavit of George Wright, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh 17
at ¶ 8; see also Weather Records at p. 1, annexed to Defendant’s Motion as Exhibit F.
b. Operations
On December 10, 2013, at what appears to be a 6:00 a.m. shift, a spreader u
Preview
FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF KINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------x COLEEN HALL, Plaintiff, 503143/2014E -against- THE CITY OF NEW YORK, Defendant. ------------------------------------------------------------------------x MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT 305 Broadway, 7th Floor MOUTONDELL’ANNO MOUTONDELL’ANNO LLP New York, NY 10007 Phone & Fax: (646) 706-7481 1 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF AUTHORITIES ...................................................................................................... iv PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ................................................................................................. 1 FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY ................................................................................. 1 I. PLAINTIFF’S ACCIDENT ............................................................................................. 1 II. JOHN LAQUARA’S QUALFICATIONS TO TESTIFY .............................................. 2 III. DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SNOW BOOK AND CARTING BOOK ............ 3 1. Snow Book ...................................................................................................................... 3 2. Carting Book ................................................................................................................... 4 IV. ROUTE DESIGNATIONS FOR SUBJECT LOCATION ............................................ 4 V. SNOW REMOVAL PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 5 1. Preparations..................................................................................................................... 5 2. Decision-Making Procedures .......................................................................................... 5 3. Snow Plowing Procedures .............................................................................................. 5 4. Snow Clearing Operations .............................................................................................. 6 5. Snow Piling Procedures .................................................................................................. 6 6. Ice Clearing Procedures .................................................................................................. 7 7. Reporting Procedures ...................................................................................................... 8 8. Supervision Procedures ................................................................................................... 8 VI. EVENTS LEADING THROUGH THE ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 17, 2013 ....... 8 1. December 8, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 8 a. Weather ....................................................................................................................... 8 b. Operations ................................................................................................................... 8 2. December 9, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 9 a. Weather ....................................................................................................................... 9 b. Operations ................................................................................................................... 9 3. December 10, 2013 ......................................................................................................... 9 a. Weather ....................................................................................................................... 9 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 10 i 2 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 4. December 11, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 10 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 10 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 11 5. December 12, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 11 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 11 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 12 6. December 13, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 12 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 12 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 13 7. December 14, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 13 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 13 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 14 8. December 15, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 15 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 15 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 16 9. December 16, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 17 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 17 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 17 10. December 17, 2013 ....................................................................................................... 18 a. Weather ..................................................................................................................... 18 b. Operations ................................................................................................................. 20 STANDARD OF REVIEW ........................................................................................................ 24 ARGUMENT ............................................................................................................................... 26 I. DEFENDANT THE CITY OF NEW YORK DID NOT MEET ITS BURDEN IN MOVING FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, AS IT HAD A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME WITHIN WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF THE SUBJECT ICY CONDITION AND FAILED TO REMEDIATE IT IN THE EXERCISE OF REASONABLE CARE ........................................................................................................... 26 II. DEFENDANT THE CITY OF NEW YORK IS LIABLE FOR CREATING THE ICE CONDITION THAT PLAINTIFF SLIPPED ON ................................................................ 27 1. Defendant City of New York Created the Subject Icy Condition When Plowing During the December 14-15, 2013 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Shift ....................................................... 28 ii 3 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 2. Defendant City of New York Compounded the Subject Icy Condition When Plowing After Alternate Side Parking Was No Longer Suspended As of December 16, 2013.......... 32 a. Plows Pushed the Snow That Fell From December 8, 2013 Through December 15, 2013 To the Right Into the Parking Lane.......................................................................... 32 b. Snow Would Have Remained In The Parking Lane Through the Morning of December 17, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 33 c. Snow From the Parking Lane Would Have Been Pushed Back To the Left and Into the Roadway and Crushed Once Alternate Side Parking Was No Longer Suspended ..... 34 d. The Plowing into and Crushing of Snow in the Middle of the Roadway When the Alternate Side Parking Suspension Was Lifted Compounded the Subject Icy Condition 36 3. The Precipitation That Occurred on December 17, 2013 Did Not Cause the Subject Icy Condition To Form ............................................................................................................... 38 III. DEFENDANT THE CITY OF NEW YORK HAD A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME WITHIN WHICH IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF THE ICY CONDITION AND FAILED TO REMEDIATE IT IN THE EXERCISE OF REASONABLE CARE ........................................................................................................... 41 1. The Subject Ice Was Present For a Reasonable Period of Time Within Which Defendant City of New York Should Have Remedied It ..................................................... 42 2. Defendant City of New York Failed to Timely Remedy the Subject Icy Condition .... 43 IV. PLAINTIFF’S AFFIDAVIT IS NOT FEIGNED AND MUST BE CONSIDERED .. 46 V. ANY NEW MATTERS OR ISSUES THAT MAY BE RAISED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DEFENDANT’S REPLY PAPERS MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT’S MOTION .......................................................................... 46 VI. PLAINTIFF’S EXPERT AFFIDAVITS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED .................... 47 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 49 iii 4 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 TABLE OF AUTHORITIES Cases Achtziger v. Merz Metal & Machine Corp., 27 A.D.3d 1137, 1138 (4th Dep’t 2006) ........................................................................... 28 Barco v. Green Bus Lines, Inc., 62 A.D.3d 923, 924 (2d Dep’t 2009) ................................................................................ 46 Baulieu v. Ardsley Associates, L.P., 85 A.D.3d 554, 555 (1st Dep’t 2011) ............................................................................... 47 Chaudhry v. East Buffet & Rest., 24 A.D.3d 493, 494 (2d Dep’t 2005) ............................................................................... 27 Church v. Callanan Industries, Inc., 99 N.Y.2d 104, 113 (2002) ............................................................................................... 28 Cohen v. Herbal Concepts, Inc., 100 A.D.2d 175, 177 (1st Dep’t 1984) ............................................................................. 26 Cooke v. City of New York, 300 A.D.2d 338, 339 (2d Dep’t 2002) .............................................................................. 41 County Oil Co., Inc. v. Bayview Owners Corp., 181 A.D.2d 809, 809 (2d Dep’t 1992) .............................................................................. 25 Creighton v. Milbauer, 191 A.D.2d 162, 166 (1st Dep’t 1991) ............................................................................. 25 Cumbo v. Dormitory Authority of State of New York, 71 A.D.3d 1513, 1514-1515 (4th Dep’t 2010).................................................................. 28 Dauman Displays, Inc. v. Masturzo, 168 A.D.2d 204, 205 (1st Dep’t 1990) ............................................................................. 25 Decision Concepts, Inc. v. Citibank, N.A., 91 A.D.2d 965, 965 (1st Dep’t 1983) ............................................................................... 25 Derdiarian v. Felix Contractor Corp., 51 N.Y.2d 308, 313-317 (1980) ........................................................................................ 28 DiGiantomasso v. City of N.Y., 55 A.D.3d 502, 503 (1st Dep’t 2008) ............................................................................... 25 iv 5 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 Downing v. Screiber, 176 A.D.2d 781, 782 (2d Dep’t 1991) .............................................................................. 25 Enamorado v. KHR Holding Co., LLC, 24 A.D.3d 411, 412-413 (2d Dep’t 2005) ........................................................................ 46 Espinal v. Melville Snow Contractors, Inc., 98 N.Y.2d 136, 142-143 (2002) ........................................................................................ 28 Esteve v. Abad, 271 A.D. 725, 727 (1st Dep’t 1947) ................................................................................. 25 Falk v. Goodman, 7 N.Y.2d 87, 91 (1959) ..................................................................................................... 24 Feratovic v. Lun Wah, Inc., 284 A.D.2d 368, 369 (2d Dep’t 2001) .............................................................................. 47 Friedman v. Stauber, 18 A.D.3d 606, 607 (2d Dep’t 2005) ................................................................................ 27 Gale v. Kessler, 93 A.D.2d 744, 745 (1st Dep’t 1983) ............................................................................... 26 Gayle v. City of N.Y., 92 N.Y.2d 936, 937 (1998) ............................................................................................... 26 Glick & Dolleck, Inc. v. Tri-Pac Export Corp., 22 N.Y.2d 439, 441 (1968) ............................................................................................... 24 Gloria v. MGM Emerald Enterprises, Inc., 298 A.D.2d 355 (2d Dep’t 2002) ...................................................................................... 27 Grau v. Taxter Park Assocs., 283 A.D.2d 551, 552 (2d Dep’t 2001) ............................................................................. 27 Hollender v. Fred Cammann Productions, Inc., 78 A.D.2d 233, 237 (1st Dep’t 1980) ............................................................................... 26 Holliday v Hudson Armored Car & Courier Service, Inc., 301 A.D.2d 392, 395 (1st Dep’t 2003) ............................................................................. 26 Hoyte v. Epstein, 12 A.D.3d 487, 488 (2d Dep’t 2004) ................................................................................ 47 v 6 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 Jacobs v. Nussbaum, 100 A.D.3d 702, 703 (2d Dep’t 2012) .............................................................................. 47 Janota v. City of New York, 297 N.Y. 942 (1948) ......................................................................................................... 42 Kantor v Leisure Glen Homeowners Assn., Inc., 95 A.D.3d 1177, 1177 (2d Dep’t 2012) ............................................................................ 27 Kiss Construction NY, Inc. v. Rutgers Casualty Insurance Co., 61 A.D.3d 412, 414 (1st Dep’t 2009) ............................................................................... 46 Klimis v. Lopez, 290 A.D.2d 538, 538 (2d Dep’t 2002) .............................................................................. 47 Kozlowski v. Oana, 102 A.D.3d 751, 752 (2d Dep’t 2013) .............................................................................. 47 LeMaire v. Kuncham, 102 A.D.3d 659, 661 (2d Dep’t 2013) .............................................................................. 47 Lopez v. City of New York, 290 A.D.2d 539, 539-540 (2d Dep’t 2002) ....................................................................... 27 Lowe v. Bennett, 122 A.D.2d 728, 729 (1st Dep't 1986) .............................................................................. 24 Lynch v. City of Yonkers, 292 A.D.2d 572, 573 (2d Dep’t 2002) ............................................................................. 46 Matter of Keyes v. City of N.Y., 89 A.D.3d 1086, 1087 (2d Dep’t 2011) ............................................................................ 47 Matter of Siegel, 90 A.D.3d 937 (2d Dep’t 2011) ........................................................................................ 24 Matter of Wright v. City of N.Y., 99 A.D.3d 717, 719 (2d Dep’t 2012) ................................................................................ 47 Mazzella v. City of New York, 72 A.D.3d 755, 756 (2d Dep’t 2010) ................................................................................ 41 McLaughlin v. Thaima Realty Corp., vi 7 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 161 A.D.2d 383, 384 (1st Dep’t 1990) ............................................................................. 25 Meadowbrook Nat’l Bank of Freeport v. Ferkin, 303 N.Y. 853, 853 (N.Y. 1952) ........................................................................................ 26 Nicholas Dimenna & Sons, Inc. v. City of N.Y., 301 N.Y. 118, 121 (1950) ................................................................................................. 24 Palomo v. 175th Street Realty Corp., 101 A.D.3d 579, 580 (1st Dep’t 2012) ............................................................................. 47 Perre v. Town of Poughkeepsie, 300 A.D.2d 379, 380 (2d Dep’t 2002) .............................................................................. 47 Piecyk v. Otis Elevator Co., 164 A.D.2d 816, 817 (1st Dep’t 1990) ............................................................................. 24 Powell v. MLG Hillside Associates, L.P., 290 A.D.2d 345, 345-46 (1st Dep’t 2002)) ....................................................................... 41 Rak v. County Fair, Inc., 38 A.D.3d 1240, 1241 (4th Dep’t 2007) ........................................................................... 28 Rivers v. Birnbaum, 102 A.D.3d 26, 36-37 (2d Dep’t 2012) ............................................................................. 47 Rodriguez v. N.Y. Housing Authority, 194 A.D.2d 460, 462 (1st Dep’t 1993) ............................................................................. 25 Roman v. 233 Broadway Owners, LLC, 99 A.D.3d 882, 885-886 (2d Dep’t 2012) ......................................................................... 48 Saez-Quinones v. YFC Intl. Trading, Inc., 30 Misc. 3d 1227(A) at 7 (N.Y. Cnty. Sup. Ct. 2011) ...................................................... 26 Salvanti v. Sunset Indus. Park Assocs., 27 A.D.3d 546, 546-547 (2d Dep’t 2006) ......................................................................... 27 Schneider v Kings Highway Hospital Center, 67 N.Y.2d 743 (1986) ....................................................................................................... 26 Sillman v. Twentieth Century-Fox, Inc., 3 N.Y.2d 395, 404 (1957) ................................................................................................. 26 vii 8 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 Supan v. Michelfeld, 97 A.D.2d 755, 756 (2d Dep’t 1983) ................................................................................ 25 Teplitskaya v. 3096 Owners Corp., 289 A.D.2d 477, 477-478 (2d Dep’t 2001) ....................................................................... 24 Valentine v. City of New York, 86 A.D.2d 381, 383 (1st Dep’t 1982), aff’d, 57 N.Y.2d 932 (1982) ................................ 41 Voytek Technology v. Rapid Access Consulting, Inc., 279 A.D.2d 470, 471 (2d Dep’t 2001) .............................................................................. 47 Winegrad v. N.Y.U. Medical Center, 64 N.Y.2d 851, 853 (1985) ............................................................................................... 24 Zuckerman v. City of New York, 49 N.Y.2d 557, 562 (1980) ............................................................................................... 24 Statutes CPLR § 3101(d) ...................................................................................................................... 47, 48 CPLR § 3212....................................................................................................................... 1, 24, 49 viii 9 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 PRELIMINARY STATEMENT Plaintiff Coleen Hall submits the instant opposition to Defendant’s motion which seeks an Order pursuant to CPLR § 3212 granting summary judgment to Defendant The City of New York and dismissing the Complaint. For the reasons set forth herein, Defendant’s requests for relief should be denied in their entirety. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY This action is based, inter alia, on Defendant’s negligent maintenance and management of the roadway at the intersection of East 91st Street and Clarkson Avenue in Brooklyn by and through their employees. See, generally Complaint, annexed to Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment dated August 15, 2016, currently before the Court (“Defendant’s Motion”) within Exhibit B (“Exh. B”). I. PLAINTIFF’S ACCIDENT On December 17, 2013, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Coleen Hall fractured her right wrist in two places in an accident as she was coming home from work. See 50-H Transcript of Plaintiff Coleen Hall (“Plaintiff’s 50-H”), annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. C at pp. 7:12-19 & 8:8-14. Ms. Hall had exited a bus at Remsen and Clarkson Avenue and was walking home. Id. at pp. 8:22-23 & 9:9-11. Ms. Hall was wearing boots at the time of her accident. Id. at p. 11:10-12. It was not raining or snowing at the time Ms. Hall fell. Id. at p. 9:20-22. However, there was still snow on the ground on the date of Plaintiff’s accident. Id. at pp. 10:17 – 11:9 (There was substantial snow on the ground prior to Plaintiff’s accident that day in the area between 60 Bay Street in Staten Island and the Staten Island Ferry terminal, and between the Staten Island Ferry terminal in Manhattan and to where she picked up the bus to go home.). Ms. Hall was walking 1 / 49 10 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 home along Clarkson Avenue from where the bus let her out at Remsen and Clarkson Avenue. Id. at pp. 8:30 – 9:13. Ms. Hall’s accident occurred in the middle of the crosswalk as she was crossing East 91st Street by its intersection with Clarkson Avenue. Id. at pp. 12:4 – 13:10 & 14:5-23; see also Google Map printout of subject crosswalk, annexed to the Affirmation of Nicholas W. Dell’Anno dated February 21, 2017, (“Dell’Anno Aff.”) as Exh. 1. Plaintiff had been crossing the crosswalk at a regular pace and did not see snow or ice in the crosswalk before she fell. See Plaintiff’s 50-H, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. C at pp. 13:11-14 & 13:25 – 14:4. When Ms. Hall got to the middle of the crosswalk, she slipped and fell. Id. at pp. 14:24 – 15:15. After she fell, she realized that there was slippery black ice where she was walking. Id. at p. 16:8-15. II. JOHN LAQUARA’S QUALFICATIONS TO TESTIFY Defendant City of New York produced John Laquara for a deposition in this matter. At the time of his deposition, John Laquara was working at the New York City Department of Sanitation for more than three years and was a supervisor. See Deposition of John Laquara taken on October 6, 2015, (“Laquara Dep.”) annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. D at pp. 6:24 – 7:9. Mr. Laquara had previously been a sanitation worker whose job duties with the New York City Department of Sanitation included plowing streets to clear snow from the street on approximately forty occasions. Id. at pp. 8:12-18 & 9:8-21. He would plow with a collection truck and would use salt spreaders. Id. at pp. 9:22 – 10:13. The sanitation workers would have shovels with them while plowing. Id. at p. 10:17-22. All of this equipment was still being used at the time of Mr. Laquara’s deposition. Id. at pp. 10:25 – 11:5. At the time of the subject accident, he was 2 / 49 11 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 working in Brooklyn North 17. Id. at p. 33:11-14. Brooklyn North 17 could have had more than six routes at the time. Id. at pp. 33:11-14 & 55:11-25; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. III. DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION SNOW BOOK AND CARTING BOOK 1. Snow Book The New York City Department of Sanitation would maintain what is called a snow book, which is also called a snow operations book. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 26:13-20 & 27:8-17. The snow book that Defendant The City of New York produced was from Brooklyn North 17. Id. at 33:11-14 & 55:2-10; Snow Book, annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. D. The snow book contains entries for primary routes, secondary routes, tertiary routes, and crosswalks. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 33:11-14; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. Mr. Laquara testified that primary routes are main roads and are the first routes that are plowed or salted. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 71:20 – 72:4. The “S.S.” in the snow book stands for salt spreader”. Id. at pp. 33:11-14 & 34:15-17; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. Where “100” is indicated in the snow book under the “Percentage Completed” section, it purports that one-hundred percent of the work was completed at the portions of those routes where a “100” is listed. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 34:18 – 35:19; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. According to Mr. Laquara’s testimony, when a zero is indicated in the snow book, it means that no route was assigned for the particular type of work indicated at the portions of the routes where zero is listed. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 35:20 – 36:8;Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. When “not applicable” is indicated with respect to crosswalks, it means that no 3 / 49 12 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 orders were given to sanitation workers to shovel crosswalks on the particulars shift indicated. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 33:11-14 & 50:9-16; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. There is another section of the snow book that indicates that snow piles need to be removed. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 33:11-14 & 39:7-10; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. 2. Carting Book A carting book lists all of the equipment that would have left a garage on a shift on a particular day, who was on that equipment, and who their supervisors were. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 26:18 – 27:3 & 65:10 – 66:3. The second page of the carting book for each shift indicates the weather and temperature. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at 65:10-21 & 68:5-12; Portion of Carting Book marked as Plaintiff’s Exh. 2 dated October 6, 2015, annexed to Defendant’s Motion within Exh. D. IV. ROUTE DESIGNATIONS FOR SUBJECT LOCATION The roadway of East 91st Street by Clarkson Avenue falls within Secondary Route Number Two for Brooklyn North 17. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 70:15 – 71:19; Salt Spreader Route marked as Plaintiff’s Exhibit 3 dated October 6, 2015, annexed to Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. The roadway of Clarkson Avenue by East 91st Street falls within primary route number three for Brooklyn North 17. See Missing Page 77 of Laquara Dep., annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 2 at p. 77:21-25; Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 78:2-23; Salt Spreader 4 / 49 13 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 Route marked as Plaintiff’s Exhibit 7 dated October 6, 2015, annexed to Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. V. SNOW REMOVAL PROCEDURES 1. Preparations Snow alerts inform the Department of Sanitation what the weather forecast is and how much equipment and manpower should be made ready for the storm. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 28:5-16. In response to a snow forecast, preparations can be made to put plows on the sanitation trucks. Id. at pp. 28:17 – 29:9. 2. Decision-Making Procedures Decisions pertaining to how snow removal should be done are sent from operations to the borough, then from the borough to the Department of Sanitation superintendent at the district level, who then sends the decisions to the supervisor. Id. at pp. 30:2-11 & 59:4-11. Mr. Laquara testified that supervisors do not make any actual decisions as to how snow removal is to be performed. Id. at p. 30:12-16. 3. Snow Plowing Procedures When plowing streets, snow plows push all of the snow to the right lane towards the parking lane. Id. at pp. 13:21 – 14:10. Salt spreaders can also be used as plows. Id. at pp. 14:21 – 15:3. Mr. Laquara testified that shovels would be used to remove snow at crosswalks at the sidewalk corners, as well as catch basins. Id. at pp. 15:17 – 16:16. The New York City Department of Sanitation provides specific instructions for clearing snow from crosswalks, namely that: a) Not one crosswalk is to be skipped on an assigned route; 5 / 49 14 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 b) Snow must first be shoveled or panned one shovel length in from the curb; c) Snow from the crosswalk must then be shoveled/plowed into the traffic lanes without blocking those lanes; and d) Third, salt must be spread on corner caps and crosswalks where necessary. See Crosswalk Clearing Procedures, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 11. 4. Snow Clearing Operations Once alternate side parking is no longer suspended, a clearing operation ensues which involves plowing the snow that had been pushed into the parking lane back out into the street. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at pp. 16:17 – 17:8. The plows would be angled left to push snow towards the left during a clearing operation. Id. at pp. 20:22 – 21:6. After the snow is pushed out of the parking lane and back onto the street, other plows would come and crush the snow. Id. at pp. 16:17 – 17:8. 5. Snow Piling Procedures Snow pile removal would occur when the Department of Sanitation piles snow from a heavy snowstorm and sends front end loaders to remove the piles. Id. at pp. 33:11-14 & 39:11- 21; Snow Book, Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D. The piles are made by front end loaders which are used to pile the snow in a particular area. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at 40:4- 8. Snow pile removal would be done to get the snow piles off of the street for the benefit of snow melters or for a hauling operation. Id. at p. 39:7-21. If one plow goes across an intersection and another plow goes across the intersecting street, it could cause snow to pile up higher at the corners of that intersection. Id. at pp. 79:18 – 81:6. Those higher piles of snow would have to be removed if large enough. Id. at p. 81:7-21. 6 / 49 15 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 6. Ice Clearing Procedures After the snow plows pass, the salt spreaders are used. Id. at p. 14:11-20. Salt spreaders can also be used as plows. Id. at pp. 14:21 – 15:3. When icy conditions are expected, salt should be spread to prevent black ice from forming. Id. at p. 107:15-25. Salt should also be spread to prevent melted snow from refreezing into ice. Id. at p. 108:2-8. If it were to rain after the Department of Sanitation plowed and snow had accumulated at the side of the road, the Department of Sanitation should continue salting. Id. at p. 108:13-23. However, Mr. Laquara testified that no steps are taken to prevent icy conditions or compacted snow or ice from accumulating inside of a pothole or defect in the roadway. Id. at pp. 109:13 – 110:10. The New York City Department of Sanitation provides specific instructions for clearing ice from crosswalks, namely that: a) Not one crosswalk is to be skipped on an assigned route; b) Ice must first be shoveled or panned one shovel length in from the curb; c) Ice from the crosswalk must then be shoveled/plowed into the traffic lanes without blocking those lanes; and d) Third, salt must be spread on corner caps and crosswalks where necessary. See Crosswalk Clearing Procedures, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 11. When riding the spreaders, operators were instructed to not spread salt on road surfaces that show no sign of snow or ice. See Email pertaining to Salting Instructions dated December 8, 2013, (“Salting Instructions Email”) annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 12. Mr. Laquara testified 7 / 49 16 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 that no sanitation worker would actually get out of the truck to look for black ice. See Laquara Dep., Defendant’s Motion, Exh. D at p. 94:15-20. 7. Reporting Procedures Each crew sent out for snow would report what they did and their progress. Id. at pp. 18:20 – 19:5. This report would be passed onto the next crew shift by the supervisor so that the next shift could pick up from where the prior shift left off. Id. at pp. 18:20 – 19:5. The supervisors would also make a report as to what was done on their shift for the next shift, and the report would be added to the snow book. Id. at p. 19:6-11. 8. Supervision Procedures After a plowing operation has been performed, supervisors are supposed to go via car to drive the entire route to observe whether or not the crews under their supervision completed the work on the their crew’s assigned routes. Id. at pp. 17:17 – 18:19. If a route was not satisfactorily cleared, the supervisor would make a notation and ensure that it is done again. Id. at p. 19:12-18. VI. EVENTS LEADING THROUGH THE ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 17, 2013 1. December 8, 2013 a. Weather On December 8, 2013, during the 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift, it was rainy and twenty- seven (27) degrees. See Portion of Carting Book, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh. 3 at pp. 1-2. The weather for the 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. shift and the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift during December 8, 2013, does not appear in the carting book produced by Defendant The City of New York. See Dell’Anno Aff. at ¶ 6; See generally, Portion of Carting Book, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 3. b. Operations 8 / 49 17 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 On December 8, 2013, during the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift, a spreader was assigned to Primary Route Three, while also covering one secondary routes and two tertiary routes, though there is no indication as to how much if any salt was utilized. See Portions of Spreading Operation Sheets, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 4 at p. 1. Also on December 8, 2013, during the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift, a spreader was assigned to Secondary Route Two, while also covering two primary routes and one other secondary route, indicating that only a half load of salt was spread. Id. at p. 2. 2. December 9, 2013 a. Weather On December 9, 2013, during the 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. shift, it was rainy and thirty-two (32) degrees. See Portion of Carting Book, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. Exh. 3 at pp. 3-4. During the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift, it was cloudy and forty (40) degrees. Id. at pp. 5-8. During the 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift, it was rainy and thirty-nine (39) degrees. Id. at pp. 7-8. b. Operations On December 9, 2013, during the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift, a spreader was assigned to Secondary Route Two, while also covering on tertiary route and two other secondary routes, though the indication is that it only spot-salted and there is no indication as to how much if any salt was utilized. See Portions of Spreading Operation Sheets, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 4 at p. 3. 3. December 10, 2013 a. Weather On December 10, 2013, during the 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. shift, it was cloudy and thirty- eight (38) degrees. See Portion of Carting Book, Dell’Anno Aff., Exh. 3 at pp. 9-10. During the 9 / 49 18 of 59 FILED: KINGS COUNTY CLERK 02/21/2017 07:47 AM INDEX NO. 503143/2014 NYSCEF DOC. NO. 41 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/21/2017 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift, it was snowing and thirty-four (34) degrees. Id. at pp. 9-12. During the 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. shift, it was clear and thirty-two (32) degrees. Id. at pp 13-14. Approximately 2.8 inches of snow fell, with some sleet and freezing rain, during the December 8-10, 2013, period. Affidavit of George Wright, annexed to Dell’Anno Aff. as Exh 17 at ¶ 8; see also Weather Records at p. 1, annexed to Defendant’s Motion as Exhibit F. b. Operations On December 10, 2013, at what appears to be a 6:00 a.m. shift, a spreader u