Penn's Ridge Sinkholes Plugged

Sinkholes that plagued one residential development in are all but plugged.

Peg Dissinger, a consultant for Omega Homes who appeared before the township Board of Supervisors Thursday, said only one of the 11 reported at the has not been repaired.

“Everything has been done,” said Dissinger.

In addition, sinkholes in the development's condominium section were repaired and paid for through the condo association, she said.

A total of 13 properties on Gillian and Jeannette lanes were affected the most by the sinkholes. According to Dissinger, one homeowner has yet to sign a waiver allowing the developer to come onto the property to repair a sinkhole. The company is trying to resolve the issue with the one remaining property and will keep the township up to date on the matter, she added.

On, several residents appeared before the supervisors asking for help in resolving their sinkhole problems. At that time, most of the residents said homeowners insurance policies would not cover sinkhole repairs. Allentown-based developer Omega Homes agreed to pay for the repairs at no cost to the homeowners. Since the homes are on private property, the township held no responsibility to repair the sinkholes.

Supervisor C. David Howell said he is concerned over the remaining sinkhole at the development.

“This could subject that homeowner to liability if they don’t allow it to be fixed,” said Howell.

Howell said he is concerned that if this homeowner does not allow for repairs it could affect surrounding properties and pose a danger to residents if it is not fenced off properly.

Dissinger, who referred to that property owner as an “absentee landlord,” said it was not clear what would be done.