During a recent government meeting, resident David Henning voiced significant concerns regarding ongoing infrastructure issues affecting his home on Arlington Street. Henning, who has lived in Birmingham for four years, detailed a series of water main breaks that have severely impacted his property, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs.
Henning explained that since moving into his home, which he and his wife have been restoring, they have faced multiple emergencies due to water main failures. Most recently, a main break caused sewage to back up into their home, flooding a newly remediated basement. He reported that the water supply has been discolored for over two weeks, despite assurances from the water company that it was safe to drink.
The resident expressed frustration over the city's response to these issues, stating that he has incurred significant expenses, estimating a total of $40,000 in tax assessments and an additional $62,000 for basement repairs. He emphasized the need for better communication and support from city officials, particularly in light of the repeated infrastructure failures.
Henning acknowledged the assistance he received from city representatives but called for more proactive measures to address the underlying problems affecting the community's water infrastructure. His comments highlight the urgent need for local government to prioritize infrastructure maintenance and resident safety in Birmingham.