Toledo Homeowner Faces Struggle Over Expanding Sinkhole and Sewer Line Repairs

TOLEDO, Ohio — A growing sinkhole on Pinewood Avenue in central Toledo is causing a stir as city officials and a local homeowner clash over responsibility for repairs. The sinkhole, which began small but has expanded significantly in recent weeks, is now dangerously close to a home on the street.

Monica Mulligan, the homeowner affected by the sinkhole, expressed frustration with the situation, especially after receiving word from the Toledo Public Utilities Department that she must cover the cost of repairs on her property before the city can begin work on fixing the sewer line and street.

The issue has its roots in Toledo’s aging infrastructure. As the sinkhole grew, it became apparent that the problem stemmed from a damaged sewer line on Mulligan’s property. However, the city maintains that they are not responsible for damaged sewer lines located on private property.

“The city is not responsible for damaged lines on private property,” Amy Voigt, a spokesperson for the City of Toledo, explained in a statement. “The damaged sewer line on the resident’s property is impacting the city’s sewer main.”

While Mulligan agrees that the damage to the sewer line has had an impact on the city’s sewer system, she is adamant that the issue originated from the city’s infrastructure and should therefore fall under their responsibility. She pointed out that the sinkhole began on the street and slowly expanded into her yard, leaving her perplexed as to why she was being held liable for the repairs.

Mulligan’s anger is compounded by the fact that her neighbors, who faced similar issues in the past, were not required to pay for repairs. “I am really angry, because we pay taxes and this is the result that we get,” she said.

The city, on the other hand, explained that it is prepared to repair the sewer main, sidewalk, and street once Mulligan’s property is fixed. They also warned that if they address the city-side repair first, Mulligan may experience a disruption in sewer service, something both parties are keen to avoid.

In the meantime, the surrounding neighborhood also faces infrastructure concerns. Nearby, another sinkhole has formed on Indiana Avenue, and residents report similar issues of water damage, including flooding in basements, caused by the aging sewer system.

“I can see that they’re patching, but they’re not really fixing the problem,” one concerned homeowner remarked, echoing Mulligan’s sentiments about the city’s response.

For Mulligan, the issue has become a personal battle. The 56-year-old, who is medically retired, feels singled out and is determined to push back against what she sees as an unfair demand. As of now, the sinkhole continues to grow, and city leaders are left with the difficult task of addressing both the immediate repairs and the underlying infrastructure problems that caused the situation.

With the clock ticking and tensions rising, it remains to be seen how the city and Mulligan will navigate the complex issue of responsibility for repairs—both in the short-term and as part of a broader strategy to address Toledo’s aging infrastructure.