Sinkholes disrupting daily life for Tower Grove East residents

ST. LOUIS – Tower Grove East residents are dealing with a growing problem that’s disrupting daily life: large sinkholes appearing throughout the neighborhood.

These hazardous craters are causing significant issues for homeowners, city services, and the local infrastructure.

One of the largest sinkholes opened up in the alley between the 3500 block of Arsenal and Crittenden Streets. The situation has become so severe that it almost swallowed a garbage truck this week, halting trash collection for the entire alley.

Since Aug. 21, neighbors have filed four complaints about the sinkhole, but they’re still waiting for a solution.

“So we’re not getting any garbage, recycling, or green waste material picked up this week,” Joe Squillace, an area homeowner, said.

The City of St. Louis’ Commissioner of Streets acknowledged they were unaware of the sinkhole’s size until receiving photos from FOX 2 Thursday. While the case file has been updated, residents say communication from the city has been lacking.

“It would be nice if there was some level of communication: a text service, or email response, or something to our residents of this block—we’re all affected by this,” Squillace added.

A few streets away, another large sinkhole at Arsenal Street and Louisiana Avenue is drawing concern. Measuring about six feet wide and stretching over ten feet along the sidewalk, this sinkhole has been an eyesore for months.

While Spire initially worked on gas lines in the area, AT&T took over the project in late August. However, they are waiting for dry weather to complete the restoration.

The most troubling sinkhole is located on Potomac Street, where it has grown so large that a family is considering leaving their home. Since moving in earlier this year, the homeowner has watched the sinkhole swallow the yard, sidewalk, and part of the street. Although a report was filed back in July, progress has been minimal.

Residents are now looking to Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier for help in expediting repairs. Although FOX 2 has yet to receive a response from her office, one neighbor reported speaking with her and said she is investigating the situation.

As these sinkholes continue to wreak havoc in Tower Grove East, residents are left wondering when, or if, solutions will come.

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