DETROIT – Flooded streets and basements are causing significant concern for residents in one Detroit neighborhood.
Residents on Floyd Avenue have contacted Help Me Hank for help, expressing their frustration with the ongoing issue.
The main question is who is responsible for resolving the problem that has been causing significant disruptions.
Gregory Knott, a Detroit resident, is among those affected. He has again experienced water in his basement, which has caused him understandable frustration.
The issue appears to be linked to a sinking alley behind the homes. Technically, homeowners own the space, which would make them responsible for repairs.
However, the city is open to investigating the situation.
“I had to get a pump, and I had to cut a hole in the screen and run a hose out of my basement so I can get a hose out of the basement,” said Knott.
The homeowners technically own the space, so it would fall to them, but the city is always willing to investigate.
The city has been asked to revisit the situation and collaborate with homeowners to find reputable crews to address the issue if it was indeed their responsibility.
An updated statement from the city of Detroit indicates that, pending approval of the action plan, they are considering adding those blocks to the HUD-funded alley sewer program.
“This is a block on Floyd where we performed some HUD-funded Private Sewer Program repairs due to collapsing private sewer laterals and other defects with the private infrastructure.
We will invite the other residents in the area to apply for the currently available Private Sewer Repair Program.
We will look at adding these blocks to the HUD-funded Alley Sewer Program that was allocated by the Biden-Harris Administration in December and is currently in the community comment phase for the action plan.
The program is pending approval once the action plan is submitted. The Alley Sewer Program will involve cleaning and rehabilitating the public sewer and reconnecting the private sewers from the houses that are falling off the public sewer due to current conditions.
Certainly, if the residents feel all measures have been exhausted and their private sewer lines are fully functioning, they can still file a damage claim for thorough investigation and determination."
Detroit Water & Sewerage Department Public Affairs Director Bryan Peckinpaugh
Peckingpaugh added, “If residents feel all measures have been exhausted and their private sewer lines are fully functioning, they can still file a damage claim.”
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