Homeowner Fears House Will Collapse into Creek from Erosion

An Oklahoma City homeowner is wondering where to turn for help. His home backs up to a creek that has serious erosion issues. Mike Grindstaff fears his home is in danger of collapsing into the creek if something isn't done soon.

Tuesday, June 29th 2010, 2:03 pm

By: News 9


By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma City homeowner is wondering where to turn for help. His home backs up to a creek that has serious erosion issues. Mike Grindstaff fears his home is in danger of collapsing into the creek if something isn't done soon.

Grindstaff has called the city, homeowners association and the county for help, but so far no one can seem to help fix the issue. It may ultimately fall on his shoulders.

His home is in the Oaks addition near Eastern Avenue and Memorial Rd. The fence surrounding his home hangs precariously in the balance and the retaining wall is shot.

"When it collapses then all the soil under the home could easily collapse and then the home is basically going to go," Grindstaff said.

The Grindstaff's have lived in the house for 20 years. They raised their sons there and the view of the creek is part of the reason they picked this house.

"Every time it rains we get nervous," the homeowners said.

Grindstaff asked both the city and the county to help, but they can't because the land around the creek is owned by the homeowners association. When Mike approached them, he received this response.

"We'll they've told me it was an act of God and that I should call my neighbors to ask them to come over and fix it. Now, I think you can see that is almost laughable considering the size of the problem," Grindstaff said.

He wants to fix the problem himself, but it will cost between $50 to $150,000 to fortify the bank and that's if he can get a contractor to do it.

"I can't rebuild my wall or rebuild my yard until there are some repairs done to the drainage channel. If I had all the money in the world, it's not my property," Grindstaff said. "We may just have to lock the doors and leave. I mean I don't know what else to do."

The Grindstaffs are meeting the OKC public works director Wednesday to see what can be done to fix the problem, even if they can't be the ones to do the work.

NEWS 9 has called the homeowners association and the Neighborhood Alliance to see if they can help, but have not heard back from either.

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