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‘Everybody’s passing the buck’: N.J. homes sit empty as sinkhole blame game drags on

Source: NJ.com Statewide · Jul 29, 2026, 7:43 AM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Empty residential homes affected by sinkhole in New Jersey

A New Jersey town is caught in a dispute over responsibility for addressing a sinkhole that has left homes vacant and residents frustrated.

The municipality hired a geotechnical engineer to assess the damage, but the expert has not provided recommendations for repairs or remediation.

The stalled response has created a standoff where officials appear reluctant to take decisive action, leaving affected homeowners in limbo as the situation remains unresolved.

Key points

  • Sinkhole has forced homeowners to vacate their residences while responsibility remains unclear
  • Geotechnical engineer hired by the town has not offered guidance on fixing the underlying problem
  • Local officials accused of passing responsibility rather than taking coordinated action to address the crisis
  • Extended delays are leaving residents without clear timelines for when they can return home

FAQ

Why are the homes empty?
Homes have been evacuated due to a sinkhole that poses a safety risk to residents. The town is investigating the cause and determining who bears responsibility for repairs.
Why hasn't the problem been fixed yet?
The geotechnical engineer hired by the town has not provided recommendations for how to address the sinkhole, and there is confusion among officials about who is responsible for paying for and overseeing repairs.
Who is responsible for fixing the sinkhole?
That remains unclear. Responsibility appears to be disputed among various parties, leading to delays while officials determine liability and funding sources.

Briefing prepared for NJ News Hub. Verify details on the original story. See our editorial policy.

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