UPDATED March 2, 2020

Stating the obvious at this point, but GOOD NEWS! That nasty pothole is finally under repair. And it does not appear they are just doing an asphalt band-aid this time. It looks as though they are digging in, and repairing the drain vault from the basin all the way up to the street.

We have not been given a timeline of what to expect. But we would guess with reasonable weather they could complete such a repair within 2 weeks or so. During this time, they are taking up a big chunk of the driveway, so please use extra caution coming and going. Slow down and be mindful when workers are present.

ORIGINAL POST:

What is the deal with that pothole, and is anybody doing anything about it?

Most recently, everyone can see the City filled in around the drain at the mouth of our North driveway with asphalt. Sadly though, the real problem here is the drain cap sinking into the street. Already, it is getting deeper on its own, little by little. Ironically, their patchwork only made the hole deeper, severe and more problematic.

For several years, we’ve regularly corresponded with the City and the Alderman’s office regarding this pothole and the cracking that develops around the drain. We’ve held a couple meetings with representatives from the Alderman’s office, and yet the pothole continues to develop here like clockwork. Both when they’ve repaved Sheridan Road, and, when they’ve patched the pothole that inevitably develops.

However, the slowly sinking drain cap appears to be the cause of the cracking and potholes. The area around it cracks and chips away a little bit faster and faster every time the repairs are completed.

We recently followed up with the Alderman’s office, and sent pictures of what has happened now that the City has filled in around the drain with asphalt. We asked if there is any news on a possible repair to the drain or if there is anyway to escalate our concerns about it with the City. I received the following message from Dan Luna, from Alderman Osterman’s office:

“This request was originally made last year on 5/16. I just spoke with the Water Department and they are in for permits now. We should see this repair addressed within next two weeks. I will stay on them until it’s completed.”

This is good news, but we’ve learned from experience such things rarely go as planned. So, I would urge drivers not to get too optimistic.

There is something Owners and Residents can do!

Write the Alderman – the more people they hear from, the more serious they will know the problem is.

You can fill out their online form at: http://48thward.org/contact/

You can also E-mail Alderman Osterman directly: harry@48thward.org

I suggest sending the same message to both.