DETROIT – Some neighbors on the city’s east side say a sinkhole in an alley behind their homes has been growing for years and they fear someone could get hurt if it isn’t repaired soon.
Residents along the 5000 block of St. Clair said the alley behind their houses is cracking and crumbling, with a section caving in near garages and backyards.
“This sinkhole has been here for years,” said Tiwanna Rogers, who lives nearby. “It’s dangerous. We’re in fear that we may fall in the sinkhole.”
Rogers said she has complained to the city and at one point Detroit Water and Sewerage Department crews placed a barricade in the area. But she said neighbors have struggled to get clarity on who is responsible for fixing it.
“Everybody says that it’s not their issue,” Rogers said. “So, we want to know what can we do.”
Local 4 checked in with DWSD, which said crews were dispatched to televise the sewer line in 2024 and determined the problem was connected to the private portion of the sewer system.
“Like many alleys, there are defects on the private portion of the sewer system,” said Sam Smalley, DWSD’s Deputy Director.
Smalley said both properties on either side of the collapse have defective sewer laterals, and inspections showed the sewers were off set. He said the department sent letters to the homeowners outlining the defect, noting it would be their responsibility and explaining how to get a permit to fix it.
Still, those repairs can be expensive — and residents said they need help.
“They’ve given us answers, but we need help,” Rogers said.
Earlier this month, Mayor Mary Sheffield and DWSD announced a major Alley Sewer Repair Program. That grant funded initiative is committing $184 million to repair private residential sewer connections, including alley cave-ins like this one, at no cost to homeowners.
City officials said the program is expected to address about 9,000 private sewer connections across Detroit.
Rogers hopes the sinkhole behind her home will be included.
“It’s getting closer and closer to the garage,” she said. “Because it’s going to get worse. Trust me. I’ve seen it get worse.”
Residents looking for more information about the Alley Sewer Repair Program, including diagrams explaining what portions of sewer lines are considered private versus public responsibility, can find details here.