Residents deserve better treatment after Hawley Road water main break

On December 28, 2019 near West Dixon Street and South Hawley Road, a 16-inch water main break occurred causing significant flooding to the area. The water main break caused South Hawley Road to shut down for two weeks, and led to significant property damage impacting automobiles in a nearby parking lot and homeowners in the neighborhood.  The incident caused dozens of residents to file claims with the City. The result of the Milwaukee Water Works investigation did not indicate that Milwaukee Water Works could or should have been aware of pipe failure prior to water surfacing, and as such the City Attorney’s Office will begin to notify residents that their property damage claims are being denied.

10^th District Alderman Michael J. Murphy, who represents the area, believes this is an unsatisfactory response to the situation. “The water main break that occurred and the flooding that resulted was an extraordinary event that left many residents with cars that couldn’t be driven, property that couldn’t be salvaged and hefty bills to repair home damage,” said Alderman Murphy. “I disagree with the City Attorney’s decision and am disappointed to learn they are denying all of these claims. I intend to represent the interests of residents moving forward, and I urge them to take the next step in this process by filing an appeal with the City.”

Those wishing to appeal the City’s decision may do so by sending a written statement requesting a hearing within 21 days of the postmarked date of their denial letter to the Milwaukee City Clerk, 200 East Wells Street, Room 205; Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. Residents should include a photocopy of their letter’s envelope, showing the postmark, and retain the original in the event further proof is needed.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.