South Toledo resident fears sinkhole damage

TOLEDO, Ohio — A south Toledo resident is seeking answers and assistance from the city after discovering a growing hole in her backyard, which she fears may be linked to sewage issues on Arlington Avenue.

Brenda Banks, who has lived on Cummings Avenue for 16 years, reported the issue to the city after a neighbor noticed the hole had significantly expanded.

“My neighbor cut the grass a couple of weeks ago and he saw that the hole was larger, and he said, ‘You have a problem, you need to call somebody,'” Banks said. “And that’s when I called the city.”

Banks contacted Engage Toledo, the city’s service request system, and a crew was sent out to investigate.

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The Arlington Avenue area is right behind Banks’ fence. The street has experienced sewage failures in recent months, resulting in multiple sinkholes along the road. Although city officials have stated it is unlikely Banks’ home is directly affected, she remains unconvinced.

“He thinks a pipe is busted up underneath,” Banks said of the city worker who investigated. “I believe the work that they’re doing on Arlington has something to do with this.”

Banks is also concerned about who will be responsible for covering the repair costs.

According to a city spokesperson, if an issue is found within four feet of a city sewer main, the city is responsible. Outside of that boundary, it typically falls to the homeowner.

In Banks’ case, she said she was told she would have to pay. Still, she remains worried about potential damage if the problem goes unaddressed.

“I’m just wondering if it’s a sinkhole, if it’s going to get larger and damage my property, my house,” Banks said.

While initial assessments by the city suggested that her property was not connected to ongoing sewage work along Arlington Avenue, after WTOL 11 reached out to a spokesperson, the city has agreed to send another crew for a second look.