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Developer raises sinkhole safety concern at Quarter House; administration orders inspection and co-ordination with Jackson Water
Summary
A sinkhole has developed near the main vehicle entrance to the Quarter House apartment development. Developer Justin Peterson told the council he had emailed the city on April 26 and received no response; the chief administrative officer said staff would inspect, involve Jackson Water and return with a repair plan.
A sinkhole that formed in the public right-of-way next to the primary vehicular entrance of the Quarter House apartment community prompted a developer to ask the Jackson City Council on May 20 for immediate inspection and repair.
Justin Peterson, president of State Street Group — the Quarter House developer — told the council he notified the city on April 26 and provided photos marking the location. He said the sinkhole is adjacent to the main entrance and represents a potential safety hazard for residents and visitors.
Councilman Foote recalled a similarly severe sinkhole several years ago that cost the city about $850,000 to repair and urged quick action. Lewis Wright, chief administrative officer, said the administration has met with public works and infrastructure staff, believes both stormwater and possibly sewer lines may be involved, and will ask Jackson Water to inspect the site. Wright said the city is assembling a plan of action and will report back to the developer with details.
Why it matters: The sinkhole is in a high-traffic location adjacent to an apartment complex entrance. Council members stressed early inspection and repair to reduce costs and prevent escalation.
Outcome and next steps: The CAO said the city will have public works, drainage and Jackson Water examine the sinkhole, determine whether stormwater or sewer infrastructure has failed, and return with a stabilization and repair plan. No vote was required; staff described this as a direction to inspect and develop a remedy.
Quotes (from meeting): “You can't just wait around and hope that things get better because sinkholes just get worse, and they usually get worse pretty fast too,” said Councilman Foote. Lewis Wright said: “We're gonna get Jackson Water to take a look at it also. And then we're gonna come back with a plan of action in terms of how we're gonna repair this.”
Ending: The council encouraged prompt action; the administration committed to an inspection involving water utility staff and to report back with a repair plan.
