Residents at Wharton apartment building cite safety concerns following second sinkhole on I-80
The apartment building sits along the side of I-80 eastbound. The section is currently closed as crews work.
More Stories
Residents at a Wharton apartment building are citing safety concerns following a second sinkhole on Interstate 80.
The apartment building sits along the side of I-80 eastbound. The section is currently closed as crews work.
It's been weeks since a second sinkhole appeared on the highway and days since the Department of Transportation shared news of another "significant void” underneath the eastbound lanes.
Concerned residents at the Avalon Wharton showed News 12 the inside of the building. Crews were there when they gave the mayor a tour of the building and shared their fears.
Residents say it's been a few short weeks that they've noticed a change.
"The walls are cracking, floors are dipping, separation between carpet and trim," said resident Karina Lozano.
RELATED: ‘Significant void’ found underneath I-80 in Morris County; repairs underway, DOT says
RELATED: Crews work 24/7 to assess 90 areas of concern on I-80 East in Wharton, DOT says
It's not only the sinkhole but also the work being done that adds to their worry.
"With the roadwork constantly vibrating the ground, it's concerned us, so we got together on Facebook and started a group," said resident Andrew Deem.
The mayor walked through the space and took a look at the building.
"What we're trying to do is figure out what's happening here, so I did get in touch with Avalon Bay. They told me the building is structurally sound," said Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden.
The town's building department has pulled the archival information, and he's called the state about the concerns.
The apartment building was built in October 2014. The mayor said a lot of engineering went into the site, and they met all the rules and codes at the time of the build.
"As far as the town is concerned, we've given them the...certificate of occupancy, and that they are safe," said Chegwidden.
The mayor said he couldn't determine why the cracks appeared. He said maybe the building is settling 10 years later, but he couldn't attribute anything to the mine shaft. He said a third party is needed to get involved at the private property.
"We want to make sure it's safe, but we also can't overstep ourselves, either," said Chegwidden.
Residents say if they could avoid financial losses, they'd be out in days. They are still waiting to hear from the building.
Avalon Wharton - the building's owners - say that any residents with concerns should contact the leasing office.
Residents say they are going to a Town Hall meeting on March 10 to voice their concerns about it.
