Officials: Residents Could Be Displaced For 2 Weeks After Yonkers Mudslide
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It could be at least two weeks before more than 100 residents displaced by a mudslide in Yonkers can return home, officials said.
The mudslide happened at the site of the Old Croton Aqueduct, behind two high-rise buildings located at 95 and 97 Walsh Rd., fire officials said.
Most of the residents are senior citizens and many have mobility issues.
All are now staying with relatives or have been placed in hotels.
Officials: Residents Impacted By Yonkers Mudslide May Remain Out Of Their Homes For 2 Weeks
"Everybody has some place, but a lot of people want their place," said State Sen. Andrea Stewart Cousins who was on hand Friday as residents were allowed back for medications and other essentials.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said it will be at least two weeks before residents can return.
"New York State has contracted engineers and construction crews to design the stabilization of the mudslide and to do the final repairs," Spano said.
A 24-foot-wide section of a retaining wall gave way, spilling earth down the hill and against the rear of the 95 Walsh Road building. About 4 to 6 feet of mud blocked the door of the lobby.
There is no sign of structural damage to the buildings, but debris fell near a glass wall.
There's no sign a 75-foot section is still moving, but with rain moving in, officials are putting in tarps and taking other steps to prevent another collapse, WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported.
The section that fell has revealed the brickwork of the Old Croton Aqueduct, which has been out of service for decades. It was built nearly 200 years ago.
Investigators believe a leaky water pipe in the neighborhood uphill from the scene, combined with the melting snow and ice, may have weakened the old retaining wall, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported on Wednesday.
Snow Melt Causing Flooding, Sogginess In Westchester County
As rivers and streams swell with melting snow, it could mean trouble for communities along the Sound Shore in Westchester County where all that water eventually drains.
WCBS 880's Sean Adams checked Blind Brook, Rye and the Mamaroneck River which were moving swiftly but well below flood level.
With rain accelerating the melting, this weekend is one to watch, Adams reported.
