First Trash And Sewage, Now Sinkholes Causing Concern For Sandy Victims
FAR ROCKAWAY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- One New York City neighborhood is dealing with yet another problem in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Sinkholes have been discovered in several backyards.
As CBS 2's Drew Levinson reported Friday, until they are repaired, the sinkholes could potentially be very dangerous.
Sinkholes are scattered near the intersection of Beach 67th Street and Alameda Avenue.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports
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After Sandy's flood waters receded Keisha Cunningham walked into her backyard to find three holes about two to three feet in diameter.
To give you an idea of how deep some of these holes are, Levinson stuck an 8 1/2-foot board inside one and it was nearly swallowed up.
The sinkholes were discovered in grassy areas and in pavement.
A Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson said Sandy damaged some private water and sewer lines, which connect the houses to the city's pipes, and that's what caused otherwise solid sections of land to cave-in.
Although there's yellow tape surrounding the sinkholes to warn people to stay away, residents said they fear some people, especially children, could get injured.
"It is dangerous for the kids out here. My kids come and they play out here and something could happen. They could fall and bust their butt, anything," Cunningham said.
Cunningham said the holes need to be filled in before anyone gets hurt.
The city said if the sinkholes are on private property, it's the owner's responsibility to fix them.
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