The city of Albany has temporarily deactivated its SeeClickFix program after a New York Court of Appeals ruling determined that reports submitted through the app qualify as "written notice" of road defects.

The decision increases the city's liability in negligence cases, including a lawsuit filed by a motorcyclist who claims injuries from a 2019 accident on Lark Street caused by an unrepaired road defect reported via SeeClickFix.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan explained the city's concerns with the financial risks posed by the ruling.

"We just want to make sure that our residents understand how to warn us about something that could be a true hazard, and make sure that we're protecting our hard-earned taxpayer dollars," she said.

The court rejected Albany's argument that SeeClickFix reports do not meet legal notice requirements because they were not directly received by the Department of General Services commissioner.

The ruling allows the motorcyclist's lawsuit to proceed, alleging negligence in addressing the reported defect. 

While the city reviews its legal obligations and works to clarify notice provisions, residents are encouraged to report non-emergency issues by calling (518) 434-2489.

Sheehan stated that written notices can also be mailed to City Hall or the Department of General Services.

The city aims to reactivate SeeClickFix once it ensures compliance with legal standards, balancing inability concerns with maintaining community engagement.