DICKSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's been causing frustrations for some Dickson residents for more than a year, but now a sinkhole is turning into a social media star.
This week an unknown person set up a “Notta Sinkhole” Facebook page. It jokes it is in an “open relationship,” and “I’ve been told I have 3 parents, but no one wants to claim me. So, I choose to run free!” The three parents refer to the city, county and state.
The sinkhole has been there since November of 2015. City officials said the problem was caused by the collapse of a stormwater collection pipe that is under Highway 46 South.
Sinkhole dispute continues to deepen in Dickson County
Business owners nearby said it started to impact their bottom line. Some nearby businesses have even flooded.
“We try and make the best of it,” said Tim Southerland, Manager of PDR Specialist A-1 Glass. “We use it as a local landmark. If anyone asks directions, we say we are next to the sinkhole.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed on behalf of business owners against the city, county and state.
In a statement, Dickson City Administrator Rydell Wesson said there has been a lot of misinformation on the so-called "culvert" online.
Wesson said since it's not on city property, the city can't use tax dollars to fix it.
“The City of Dickson does not own the culvert. The citizens of the City are not responsible for using their tax dollars to maintain improvements to private infrastructure for the benefit of private property owners, whether it is culverts, buildings or other improvements,” said Wesson in a statement.
The city has set up meetings with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and private property owners to resolve the situation.
Business owners said they just want to see the situation resolved.
“At this point, weather will hinder fixing it for a long time,” said Southerland.
