Community Corner

Sinkholes Scaring Palmer Residents

Safety concerns raised as sinkholes open up once again on Northwood Avenue.

Frank Cullen is scared.

The Palmer Township resident's driveway is right near a crater that has once again opened up the earth.

After a month in whch two sinkholes ripped open Northwood Avenue following a water main break, another returned to wreak havoc on Monday.

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Cullen sent an email Monday night about the sinkhole after Palmer-Forks Patch.com first reported the sinkhole.

"Area news: Washout caused by Easton Sub Water Company's 16-inch Main over one month ago leads to sunken road collapse today. The PennDot estimate is the state-road for a 2-3 day closure. Gas turned off on one residence for fear the Gas Utility could rupture."

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That news has Cullen's family fearful for its safety.

Cullen told the Easton Express-Times that he heard a "thundering boom" whenever a vehicle passed the site. "I felt the house shaking, the windows rattling, the doors rattling," he said.

Northwood Avenue is a key road connecting Forks Township to Palmer and Lower Nazareth townships.

Cullen told the newspaper that he's upset that he has gotten no written report on what caused the sinkhole or whether the repairs to date are sufficient. He said one of his neighbors has been living in a hotel out of fear of the sinkholes reopening.

Palmer Township Police Chief Larry Palmer said that the road could be closed for several days.

"We've had everyone out there again," said Dave Colver, chairman of Palmer Township's Board of Supervisors. "Water and sewer are involved and it's a state road too. Cullen has a shared driveway with the sinkhole."

The road was closed in early April due to a water main break that caused two sinkholes. Crews from Easton Suburban Water Authority worked around the clock to fix and fill the sinkholes and get the road reopened three days later.

Sinkholes are common in the Lehigh Valley, where underground water runs through soft limestone that's prone to give way.

Besides Palmer, Forks Township has dealt with numerous sinkholes over the years.

Palmer Township officials say they sympathize, but can't offer any assurances.

"What can you say?" Supervisor Ann-Marie Panella stated. "It's Mother Nature."


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