South Philly neighbors complain about problems left behind after city water and sewer project

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Cell phone video shows ripped up asphalt and work equipment on Gladstone Street in South Philly last spring. It was part of a project to replace the sewer and water main under a capital improvement project.

"We had the gas company come in put lines in and patched up the street," said Barbara Kulpa. But she adds that the work left behind damage to residents' homes.

"We lost maybe 3 or 4 inches off our bottom step," she said. After finishing the road repairs Kulpa said the sidewalks became three inches higher than they originally were.

"So when you're walking down the step it's a hazard especially for older people or for anyone," she said. At the top of the block Angelo Campanaro has a different concern.

"From the vibrations you can see the crack against the wall. It separated from the wall," said Angelo. A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Water Department says they are working with the contractor to address neighbors' concerns.

"We have instructed our contractor to go back and make those repairs," said John DiGiuilo.

On Wednesday, the Water Department and streets commissioner along with other officials met with neighbors during a closed meeting at our Lady of Mount Carmel.

"Clearly we understand that it's not ever as fast as people would like. There's always issues that need to be worked around but we're working to get those done as quickly as we can," said DiGiuilo.

The project encompasses several streets in South Philly. Officials say the project began on Gladstone Street in late 2017.