'Someone is going to get hurt.' Sinkhole causes trouble for drivers in North Bellmore
A newly formed sinkhole in a North Bellmore parking lot is sparking safety concerns after a close call, with workers using makeshift warnings while waiting for repairs.
More Stories
A sudden sinkhole in a North Bellmore parking lot is raising safety concerns for drivers and local workers. They say the hazard appeared just days ago and is already causing dangerous situations.
The hole sits in the middle of a busy lot located at 2470 Jerusalem Ave. It has been marked in an improvised way, with a shopping cart, pieces of a broken fence, and a bag tied on top to catch drivers’ attention. Despite those efforts, people in the area say it’s still easy to miss.
Nancy Albaneze, who works at TJ Clancy’s Wine & Spirits nearby, warned that the consequences can be serious.
"If you're not going to get hurt, your car is going to get hurt," she said.
According to Albaneze, a driver ran directly over the sinkhole Monday morning after failing to notice it in time.
"The man who ran the white car into it this morning was not looking down. He was looking straight ahead," she said.
It’s unclear who first placed the shopping cart at the site, but Albaneze and her husband added more visible warning signs using materials from a broken fence. Their goal was to make the hole more noticeable and help prevent further incidents.
"It's better than nothing. At least some people have a warning now about what's going to happen there," said Charles Burnside, who was driving by. "They can go around and avoid the problem."
Customers have also voiced concerns. Albaneze said one person described the parking lot as a “disaster” and warned that someone could get hurt if the issue isn’t addressed soon.
"One of our first customers this morning, she said that parking lot is a disaster. And I said, 'What do you mean, the hole?' And she said someone is going to get hurt," Albaneze said.
Burnside added that drivers risk serious damage and potential crashes if the hazard isn’t fixed quickly.
"The first thing you're concerned about is if you are going to blow a tire or wheel, and crash into someone else," he said.
Officials from the Town of Hempstead say they are aware of the situation and will follow up with the property owner to ensure it is fixed.
