Local officials are coming to the defense of an elderly woman who they say is not being treated fairly by the city.

Throgs Neck resident Rosa DeBartolo has received several sidewalk violations this year for cracks in her sidewalk, which could cost her thousands of dollars.

"I don't have the money, you know, to pay because I just have Social Security," said DeBartolo, whose appeals have been unsuccessful.

Councilman James Vacca says the Department of Transportation inspectors need to start using common sense and the city needs to step up and take responsibility.

"Almost everyone in the city has a hairline crack in their sidewalk," Vacca said. "Can they expect an inspector to come visit them and give them a violation worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars?"

News 12 reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment, but has not received a response.