My complaint:
I am a resident of Detroit. I lived in my home for more than 19 years, it was built in 2002, over the years there has never been a flood in my home until June 26, 2021.
As you know, residential basements were flooded with sewage. In addition to the floods, many of the sewer pipes or sewer systems collapsed under the strain caused by the city pumps failing. As a result there are a number of sinkholes around the city of Detroit.
One sinkhole developed, roughly 25 feet behind my home, in the city’s alley way. It first formed during the flooding on June 26. The sinkhole was about 5 feet deep.
On Monday, June 28, 2021, Detroit held a “City Update” QA zoom meeting, I asked if the city would cover the damages associated with the sewer line failure and the sinkhole. I was told by Kim Tandy District 2 Manager (313) 236-3494 that it is on my property and therefore my responsibility. This position was later supported by Director of DWSD, Gary Brown. I have also messengered the Mayor’s Office (mayor Mike Duggan) on Facebook. I provided the city with the City of Detroit Land Parcel. It outlines the border of my property. The image clearly shows the sinkhole is not on my property. So far 2 DWSD supervisors arrived at my house indicating that the sewer is my responsibility because it is on my property. I wish to argue against the DWSD’s position for 2 reasons:
1. The city has publically (via media outlets) indicated the culpability in the DWSD pumps failing resulting in residential property flooding. How can the city be responsible for the basement flooding but not be culpable for the sinkhole happening at the same time as a result of the pumps failing?
2. According to the city of Detroit Parcel Website at https:detroitmi.govwebappcity-detroit-parcel-viewer the sinkhole is NOT on my property. After several attempts and three weeks of attempting to contact the Gary Brown, the DWSD still has yet to provide a report as to their investigation. I was told a camera would be used to determine the break. Though no camera has been used, the city (mayor and DWSD) is convinced it is my responsibility. The sinkhole is more than 4 feet passed my property line. It is fully on city property.
I have been waiting for over three weeks for DWSD to complete an investigation involiving camera’s in the sewer pipes. I am not updated unless I make contact first.
Suggested solution:
Once complete, I would like to DWSD to provide me with a written report of their investigation. Then I would like DWSD to make all repairs, whether it is their pipeline or a connector. The issue is the citiy's pumps failed possibly damaging the sewer system, sewer pipes, connector andor sewer line. The city must make all of the indicated repairs.
