CBS47 On Your Side: Giant hole, city of Fresno causes hazard and then fixes it

Residents of a northwest Fresno neighborhood say they've been dealing with a hazard for the past 5 days.
A hazard they say was caused by the city of Fresno.

A 4 foot hole was dug to fix a waterline at a local park, but city crews left the job half done with a giant hole in the ground.

Last Friday, the hole was dug at Emerald Park after city crews discovered a water main leak.

But neighbors say since then crews had left the giant hole, which filled up with water and was only protected by a few cones and some caution tape.

Donna Devlin says, "Picture a 4 foot hole uncovered with just this flimsy barrier around it."

Devlin and others noticed the hole was filled with water and then overflowed into the street.

She tells CBS47 that she called the city several times and got no where.

She was concerned a child could fall into the hole and drown.

Devlin says, "I used to work in the healthcare field at at local hospital, I've seen the dangers first hand."

Ironically, Mike Karbassi who is running for the vacant Fresno City Council seat of District 2, was campaigning in the neighborhood and was told about the issue.

He says he called the city's one call center, but nothing happened.

Karbassi says, "Somebody tweeted about it and then we got a call from the mayors office and they are aware of it. But the question is, is it public works or it going to be parks. But the problem is people don't have time to wait, it's Thursday now and nothing has happened."

Karbassi and others ended up using their own plywood to cover the hole.

It was then CBS47 'On Your Side' got involved. 

CBS47 called the city of Fresno and staff said they are aware of the water leak and the hole.

Within a few hours city crews covered the hole and fixed the leak.

Karbassi says, "I think Erik should run for city council that's what I think. Ha ha, I will be very appreciative and so will Donna and the rest of the residents in the area."

Devlin says, "You got the job done, thank you very much and you care about the community.That's the important thing neighbors need to take care of one another."

CBS47 would like to thank the city of Fresno for doing a great job and jumping to fix the leak so fast.