Public Works crews continue to respond to the early-morning water main break at the Southeast corner of 50th St. and Penn Ave. The leak has been identified and isolated, and water is expected to be restored later this evening to the remaining three properties whose water is currently shut off. Crews plan to finish surface road work tomorrow in order to fully reopen the road. Street Maintenance crews will work to clear built up ice and treat the streets, alleys, and sidewalks. A cause for the leak has not yet been identified.
Building officials with the City’s Community Planning and Economic Development Department have inspected the mixed-use building at 2221 W. 50th St where flooding was first reported. They have determined that damage to the building’s foundation has made the building unsafe for entry until an engineering assessment can be made. The building remains stable but some of the windows and the entrances will be boarded or secured from entry until further assessment can take place.
Throughout the day, City staff have been in communication with those impacted in the area. Housing Liaisons with the City’s Regulatory Services Department are working to connect with displaced residents to provide support. The businesses located in the building will also be displaced until further engineering assessments can be made.
W. 50th St. from Penn Avenue to Oliver Avenue South will continue to be closed to vehicle traffic until final pavement repairs are made, likely sometime tomorrow.
The City will continue to provide updates via its social media channels.