Condo residents file class action suit against sanitation district over landslide

A week ago, more than three dozen Northern Kentucky condo owners weren’t sure why cracks and gaps were suddenly appearing along part of their building.

It turned out to be the result of a landslide, likely caused by a nearby sewer line installation.

Now, residents are stuck without a safe place to live and they want those responsible for the landslide to pay for the situation.

A class action lawsuit was filed against Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky Tuesday on behalf of residents Brittany Evans, Trey Evans, and other residents or owners who have been affected by the landslide.

According to the documents, residents of Woodland Hills condominiums in Southgate want compensation for relocation costs, continued mortgage and homeowner’s association payments, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Chris Cole, Director of Enterprise Communications for SD1, told The Enquirer it’s the company’s policy to not comment on pending litigation.

Previously, the district and HOA said a “relocation specialist” would help residents relocate without “facing financial hardship.”

Attorney Paul Dickman, who is representing residents, has not returned calls from The Enquirer about how many people are currently represented in the lawsuit.

‘An active landslide’

On Friday, a letter from Wood + Lamping law firm, which is representing the condo homeowner's association, was placed on residents’ doorsteps.

It said excavation and construction work from SD 1’s nearby sewer project potentially caused shifting in the hillside and “an active landslide” was underway.

The letter recommended residents vacate "as soon as possible as a precautionary measure."

A Monday afternoon email from the Woodland Hills Condominium Association said the hill movement and building condition are being monitored.

The association said geotechnical engineers are working to prevent more slippage and reinforce the hill.

"These measures may include retaining walls, drainage systems, and other structural reinforcements," the letter said.

A resident meeting is scheduled Aug. 5 where more information about the situation could be provided.

No timeline for moving back into the condos has been provided.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Condo residents file class action suit against sanitation district over landslide