Sidewalk hunting.

[TrpnBils]

If the town is repairing or otherwise ripping up the sidewalks, who do you get permission from? Also, when asking permission, is it better to specify a time or not (like saying you'll only go after the workers leave for the day so that you're not in the way)?

 

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[TORRERO]

I just wait until they leave, then go and hunt it, by the time you figure out who to ask, someone else
will already have that gold coin. And remember sidewalks that are old but not being torn up can also
be productive, normally between the road and the sidewalk is city property and can be very good
for older finds.

 

[spotz]

Check with City Hall or find out who the public works director is & become his buddy. He can turn you on to a lot of sites such as when they are going to install a sewer & water connection that requires digging up streets & sidewalks. He will also be familiar with every old place in the city because he is responsible for all repair & work orders in the entire infrastructure system. Good hunting.

 

[wepc]

I always just detect after the workers leave, or on weekends. I have seen cops pass a hundred times, and have never been hasseled.
My finds under sidewalks are always excellent, even if someone has already detected the area. Check the edges where theres a drop-off. Also, any dirt that has been spilled by graders. Look at where the material is being dumped also. They usually cut pretty deep.

 

[TrpnBils]

I had one other question too...I'm not sure how to word this exactly so use your imagination a little . Is there anywhere to check on upcoming projects in your city, or do you just have to do what Spotz says and make friends with the public works director?

 

[The Pete]

I've detect these sites here in my home town. I've gotten to know a few of them(workers). They always welcome me. Flip for a couple of cold sodas. I've done that and have been in for all summer. They even tell me which blocks are next to be done. Make friends with these guys you wouldn't have to deal with city hall. By the time they give a decision the project is done. I've asked once on the grassy strips, they checked with the city attorney and he said no. Like someone else said hunt after their shift, I've even night hunted the sites. They are very productive sites.

 

[bk]

I have hunted several sidewalk projects in the past. My approach is to get the OK from the construction forman. If anyone questions me, I tell them that I got permission from the forman. However, last fall I was hunting a location where I had permission to hunt and apparently someone called the police. The officer informed me of the complaint and apologetically suggested that I get permission from the City Administrator. By the time I got his permission, the project was completed.
In another town I got the business owners blessing as well as the Mayors. As a thank you, I and several other people who were detecting there presented the city a display of coins that were recovered. Because of that gesture, I was invited to the Rotary Club to give a talk on the hobby. It was a full house and many of the members invited me to detect their property.
I also know a construction owner who allowed me to hunt on a project he was contracted to complete.
I gave him several common date coins as a "thank you". He gave me his business card, and now calls me to let me know of any projects he is on and invites me to come and detect. Good luck!