Sinkhole Woes Plague Mountain Island Lake Neighborhood in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents of a peaceful community near Mountain Island Lake are suddenly finding their enthusiasm plummeting, all thanks to a pesky sinkhole that just won’t seem to stay put. Rick Schroeder, a dedicated homeowner in the area, recently shared his frustrations that have been boiling over since this disruptive pothole has upended life on Overlook Mountain Drive.
The Sinking Situation
It all began when construction crews were digging to install a shiny new Google Fiber Optic Cable and unintentionally struck a water line. It’s a classic case of one thing leading to another, but unfortunately for Schroeder and his neighbors, that one thing turned into a major inconvenience. The sinkhole, which measures an intimidating 5 to 6 feet deep, might technically sit on Schroeder’s property, but it’s barely visible from his yard. In fact, he only learned about it thanks to a watchful neighbor who pointed it out.
“I had been tracking it since May, going back and forth between Charlotte City Water and stormwater people, as well as we contacted Google to get them involved,” Schroeder explained. Talk about a marathon of phone calls! Despite the city’s efforts to patch things up, the hole is back at it in no time—especially when the weather turns rainy.
A Worrisome Safety Issue
Schroeder isn’t just worried about his property; he’s genuinely concerned for his neighbors’ safety. “It should be a priority because, again, it’s a safety concern,” he proclaimed. “What they need to do is figure out where the water is going.” His proactive spirit kicked in, and he took it upon himself to wrap the danger zone in caution tape—just in time for Halloween. After all, it wouldn’t be festive to have kids, or anyone else for that matter, stumbling into a sinkhole.
“You don’t want somebody to step in it, right? That’ll break a leg, for sure,” he lamented. And who could blame him? When it comes to neighborhood safety, everyone wants to pitch in and help.
Community Frustrations Escalate
The sinkhole has also been an inconvenience for other residents. One of Schroeder’s neighbors, who initially discovered the pothole, expressed his own discontent. It’s tough being a responsible pet owner when the entire sidewalk is mysteriously swallowed up by gaping ground. “It takes up the whole sidewalk, making it unsafe to walk my dogs in that area,” he shared. Talk about a frustrating stroll!
Both neighbors, united in their concerns, just want a lasting solution from the city. “If they won’t fix it, I’ll throw bags of concrete,” Schroeder joked. However, he quickly added, “But that’s not the right way to fix this problem.”
City and Google Yet to Respond
In light of the ongoing situation, residents are left scratching their heads and wondering when, or if, any action will be taken. They’ve reached out to both Charlotte Water and Google for answers, though it seems everyone is laying low, possibly due to the holiday season. It’s a waiting game, and as the days go by, the uncertainty is only growing for these concerned citizens.
As the situation continues to hang over the neighborhood like a dark cloud, residents remain hopeful that a solution is just around the corner. In the meantime, staying safe is the top priority. Maybe one day soon, Mountain Island Lake will be back to its tranquil self without nagging worries of craters lurking around every corner.
