Pocono News Section

Mine Subsidence Eroding Confidence

Mine Subsidence Eroding Confidence - Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 11:41PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Thursday, May 8, 2008 @ 11:41pm EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Neighbors from Matson Avenue paint a frightening picture. Mine subsidences continue to haunt the Parsons neighborhood. Sidewalks are sinking. Properties are being eaten by a creek. Homeowners are frustrated and say they're caught in a government web of "who's responsible."

They say they're tired of playing bureaucracy dodge ball.

Wilkes-Barre's director of operations told the crowd at a city council meeting Thursday night the city is not responsible for handling subsidences. Butch Fratti said the city is working to assist the neighborhood and address problems that fall within its scope.

A meeting is scheduled for next week. Ironically some of the affected homeowners can't be there because the meeting is in the morning, right in the middle of most work schedules.