11 Investigates: City moves to repair crumbling, unsafe retaining wall concerning neighbors

PITTSBURGH — 11 Investigates is getting action for neighbors who had been complaining about a crumbling and unsafe retaining wall.

Neighbors had been battling city hall for years, and asked Chief Investigator Rick Earle to step in last year.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: Neighbors demand action after retaining wall collapses, city says not their problem

These residents pay city taxes and they were just looking for a little help, but no one would listen until 11 Investigates got Councilman Khari Mosley involved. His office made it happen.

Earle: This has been a long battle a long time coming. Your reaction to the wall finally being fixed?

Kim Patterson: I am thrilled.

After years of fighting city hall to get this crumbling and potentially dangerous retaining wall fixed, Kim Patterson is finally getting action.

Patterson: It has restored my faith in the city government because I was losing faith.

Frustrated after years of getting nowhere, Patterson reached out to 11 Investigates last year.

The concrete block wall that divides Upper and Lower Dunmore Streets in Lincoln-Lemington has collapsed in some areas and is leaning in others.

Neighbors say it’s a safety concern.

“I have three grandkids and they come and now they can’t play out here because we are concerned that they could get injured by being on the wall,” Nate Lofton said.

A spokesperson for the Gainey administration told 11 Investigates last year that the wall is private property and neighbors are responsible, but property records obtained by 11 Investigates reveal conflicting information.

One deed indicated the first part of the retaining wall is public property. Patterson claims records show her property line ends at the wall.

11 Investigates took her concerns to councilman Khari Mosley, who was unaware of the problem, but promised to look into it.

Mosley: These kinds of situations take determination, collaboration and imagination.

Earle: And a little time.

Mosley: And a little time, a little time and a lot of patience.

At Council Tuesday morning, Mosley introduced legislation allocating $135,000 dollars to fix the wall.

Patterson and other neighbors say they’re relieved they won’t have to worry about it anymore.

Patterson: I’m so thankful and thankful for you, for intervening, because if you hadn’t brought the attention, the media attention, they would just keep saying it’s private property. So when you got involved, it started expediting. things and I appreciate that.

Earle: You are quite welcome.

Councilman Mosley said he’s worked on this project with the new administration and has their support.

Demolition and construction of the new wall is expected sometime this year.

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