Stratford woman says storm damage could’ve been prevented

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Alcidia DaGraca, of Stratford, has worried about the massive tree in front of her home on Nichols Avenue since she moved there about 11 years ago. On Friday morning, DaGraca watched as crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation began work removing the tree after it toppled in Wednesday’s storm . The tree was between the road and sidewalk and when it fell, hit the home of her neighbor, Matt Sandor. It also damaged DaGraca’s fence and driveway. “It was just a matter of time,” said DaGraca, adding that the damage could’ve been prevented. DaGraca told News 12 she tried to get the tree removed twice several years ago. Initially, DaGraca’s request was because she said the tree obstructs her view when she pulls out of the driveway. “I called the town of Stratford, and they told me the tree belongs to the state because Nichols Avenue is a state road. So, I contacted the state, and they told me they would send someone to survey the tree. They came out, and the response was there was no concern with the tree, obstruction or anything like that,” she recalled. DaGraca said she later called a second time because the roots were becoming exposed. “I expressed my concern that the tree was uprooting, and that if anything was to happen, the tree would either fall towards my house or the house next door,” DaGraca explained. But the tree remained. “I mean, me and my wife discussed if it might hit the house or not,” said Matt Sandor, whose home was damaged by the tree. “They have recently removed dead branches from it, so you know the tree is on the way out. Why not take care of the whole thing, especially if it's hanging over wires?” Sandor told News 12 he assumed the state would remove the uprooted tree since it fell from a state road, but he learned that was only partly true. Sandor found out he was responsible for any portion that landed on his property, while the state would clean up of the rest. “You'd think especially since it's a state tree, you take care of the whole tree, not just where it falls,” Sandor said with a laugh. He managed to stay upbeat despite working to several hours to clear his yard. Despite damage to his awning, the siding, fence and trees, he knows it could've been a lot worse. CTDOT Communication Director Josh Morgan released the following statement to News 12: “The safety of the public is our top priority and when we hear they have concerns, we investigate. We encourage residents to report problems or concerns on state roads by contacting the CTDOT Customer Care Center at 860-594-2560 or DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov . The public can also use online form located at ct.gov/dot . "