Woman sues city, DPW chief over injuries from bike crash

A Black River woman has filed suit against the city of Watertown, claiming she was injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the city's negligence.

Nancy J. Chirico filed suit Tuesday at the Jefferson County clerk's office against the city and the superintendent of Department of Public Works, Eugene P. Hayes, over injuries she suffered Aug. 24 on Holcomb Street.

She claims she was traveling south on Holcomb Street near its intersection with Chestnut Street when she encountered, without warning, a section of pavement that had been torn up and removed for construction on utility upgrades.

She claims the area where the pavement was removed was several inches lower than the pavement on which she was traveling, causing her to lose control of her motorcycle and be thrown from it.

Mrs. Chirico suffered unspecified injuries that required prolonged treatment and created expenses. She claims the city was negligent by not posting warning signs in either direction on Holcomb Street advising drivers of the approaching drop-off in the road or of the rough surface ahead.

The suit does not specify an amount sought in damages. She is represented by Watertown attorney David B. Geurtsen.