North Buffalo residents are calling on the city to address the growing sinkhole off Hertel Avenue.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) – On Lovering Avenue, just off Hertel Avenue, there is a colorful mural of Goo Goo Dolls. Beneath it is a sinkhole that neighbors say has only gotten bigger over the past three years.

“I worry about the young children,” said Bob Kerwin, who lives nearby. “Someone falls in and gets hurt, they’re probably going to sue the city.”

Kerwin said he submitted a complaint to 311 several times. The last time was in June 2023. The city closed the case a month later, stating:

“The cave is here due to a sewer lateral pipe being broken by the homeowner. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to hire a plumber to make repairs. They have been informed.”

Kerwin called Michael Schwartz of 7 Problem Solvers who went to check the sinkhole himself. The hole has empty cans, trash, and two traffic cones inside. A few weeks ago, a car was parking on Lovering and got stuck in a sinkhole with one front wheel.

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“We want this fixed,” said a man named Ricky who lives nearby.

“I don’t think it’s complicated,” Kerwin said. “Let’s let the city and the owner of this building fight over who’s going to fix it, but in the meantime, let’s put something in place.”

Kerwin suggested a temporary metal plate in the meantime before anyone gets hurt.

Schwartz spoke with Councilman Joel Feroleto’s office. A representative said the Buffalo Sewer Authority was also aware. Schwartz has reached out and is still waiting for a response.

In the meantime, if you have a consumer problem you need help with, email Michael at [email protected]