A Flushing homeowner says roots from a city-owned tree are damaging his property and creating a safety hazard.

Paul Friedman says the roots from the tree have cracked his driveway. He's worried that if he fixes the driveway himself, the roots would just break it up again within a couple of years.

Queens State Senator Tony Avella says the city needs to step in and take responsibility.

" I reached out to the Parks Department originally and I was told that nothing could be done," said Friedman.

"Fix the driveway. Don't give me the excuse well it's not in the pedestrian right of way, it's still a city tree, it still has damaged the homeowner's property. Do the right thing and fix it," said Senator Avella.

A spokesperson for the City Parks Department says an inspector will reevaluate the situation and visit the site this week to determine the extent of damage and potential impacts the tree roots have on public safety