GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids homeowners confronted the city commission during its meeting Tuesday night concerning the destructive water main break in a southeast neighborhood back in June.
Homeowners have told 13 ON YOUR SIDE they've dealt with significant damage to their properties, lack of hot water, mold, sinkholes and inability to get help from insurance.
13 ON YOUR SIDE has reported several developments since the break over the last couple of months.
On Friday August 23, 2024, neighbors received letters from the city denying claims filed in regards to the water main break damage.
Tuesday, homeowners spoke to the city commission during public comment regarding the break.
You can watch the meeting below:
One woman said, "we are heartbroken that we, as senior citizens, I'm 78, that we have to go through this and redo what we have worked hard for, for years," and "this is not our fault, this is your fault."
Another said, "my husband and I are starting to try for a family, and now we have half of our home with mold and not enough space to even us to live comfortably."
For the first time, Grand Rapids city leaders responded aloud, publicly to those homeowners after public comment.
Commissioner Jon O'Connor said, "I could only imagine the trauma that that may cause to a family in that circumstance," and "this commission and this administration is taking this issue very seriously."
City Manager Mark Washington said, "we've also reached out to some other community partners to see if there are things that can be done to assist outside of this claims process," and, "what our general counsel is advising is another way to reach a settlement on this and having additional representation so that we can come to a mutually agreeable response."
After the meeting, Washington said he met with the people who showed up to the meeting.
He told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, "I feel horrific about it," and, "I wish this was not the outcome."
He added, "I am certain we will do more than just sending a claim denial letter to help our residents, quote me on that."
13 ON YOUR SIDE will keep you updated on any developments in this story.