A Cordova couple says their quiet backyard has turned into a “massive” sinkhole that has been getting worse for months, with parts of their fence now dangling over a deep, sudden drop. Kenny and Audrey Ambrose estimate the hole is big enough to swallow roughly 15 cars. They say a neighbor stepped in to install a temporary barrier after sections of the fence fell in. The Ambroses, who say they are on fixed incomes and dealing with serious health problems, want the city to inspect the property and sort out who is responsible for fixing the growing damage.
As reported by WREG, the couple says they have been battling the sinkhole for about six months and have filed 311 reports asking for help. According to the station, the City of Memphis told reporters it has no records showing that a 311 worker actually visited the address. City officials, again according to WREG, said they planned to visit the Ambroses’ home on Wednesday to determine who is responsible for repairs.
The city’s own communications guide explains that 311 requests are tracked with a ticket number and that callers are expected to keep that number so staff can look up a case. The guide also notes that the city typically does not perform repairs on private property and that for Memphis to be held liable for damages, it generally must be shown that the city had notice and a reasonable amount of time to act. For background on how the process works, see the City of Memphis.
WREG reported that the Ambroses received a contractor’s estimate of about $5,000 to replace the damaged fencing. Kenny, who told the station he previously had a stroke, and Audrey, who said she broke her hip, fear the sinkhole is a continuing safety threat. The couple says pieces of their old fence have already vanished into the void and that a neighbor installed a new fence in an effort to stop further damage. “We just want somebody to come out and tell us what to do,” Kenny Ambrose told the station, according to WREG.
City guidance suggests that residents who believe a public utility or the city may be responsible for damage should secure a 311 tracking number, hang on to it and follow up with the appropriate city division or their councilmember if they do not get a timely response. The same communications guide also outlines time frames and next steps if the city determines it has responsibility for repairs; for those details, see the City of Memphis.
How Sinkholes Form
Sinkholes can develop when underground soil or rock is eroded by water or when aging pipes and sewers fail and wash material away until the surface collapses. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, both natural karst processes and human factors, including broken utilities and changes in groundwater levels, can trigger sinkholes and cause them to grow quickly.
What the Ambroses Can Do Next
Neighbors and property owners facing similar problems are advised to document the affected area, keep copies of 311 records and contractor estimates, and contact their councilmember or local legal aid if they believe a public agency is at fault. For the Ambroses, the next step is the city’s scheduled inspection. They say they will be watching closely for a follow-up and hoping for help before the hole in their backyard gets any bigger.
