St. Louis Park city leaders is reimbursing residents whose homes were damaged after a second water main break in the same neighborhood in less than two weeks.
But residents remain concerned about the possibility the smelly and damaging sludge that filled basements with water measured in feet, and not inches, will surge into their homes again because the pipes are still not strong enough.
Following a question and answer period at city hall on Monday, council approved a reimbursement fund to cover residents whose property was damaged by both water main breaks.
The first water break happened on May 21st; the second, last Friday near the intersection of Minnetonka Boulevard and Texas Ave. South in St. Louis Park.
"It's about a complete lack of assurance that the city can provide basic services to these homes," said Joann LaFee. "How can anyone begin a reconstruction process and trust that this won't happen again?"
Through funds from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and reimbursements directly from the city, residents affected by both water breaks could receive up to $120,000 for restoration or mitigation.
Those who sustained water damage from only the first break are eligible for up to $100,000.
John Hansah told council the reimbursements are fine, for now.
"What happens if it breaks ten feet down that same line?" he asked. "It looks like that entire thing is probably weak. I don't have any confidence in that it's not going to happen next Friday. Because is always happens on Friday.
Council members told the residents that crews are working to determine why the breaks happened, and if the repairs are strong enough.
There's a neighborhood meeting Wednesday at the Lenox Community Center for information on how Saint Louis Park residents can obtain the funding.