People who live on Rippon Street are frustrated, as what was supposed to be a solution to their bumpy street has turned into a major problem.
"They tore the roads up and they left it. And ever since that it's just been a complete and utter mess. It has been the worst nightmare of a street I have ever lived on," Erica Cleveland said.
When those who live on the street were told their pothole-ridden ride home would be re-done some were even excited, they could deal with the construction if it meant a nicer street. But that excitement faded after work slowed.
"Nothing positive has come from it. It's been stressful. We've had water-boil notices, we've had damage to vehicles, cars getting stuck. We just want everything that's dangerous on this road out," Tia Spratt said.
The road was torn up in April as the project started thanks to an ICE Grant given to the city of Hillsdale by the state. Mayor Adam Stockford says there are lots of reason for the delay, and he is just as frustrated as the people are.
"I can't do anything to make life easier for the people that live on this street except to listen to them and apply pressure to the people that are working on the project. Like I said, I'm angry and I'm embarrassed and ashamed like everyone else," he said.
FOX 47 reached to the contractor in charge of the project, Brian Dubois. He didn't want to do an interview. He says he wants it done too, but everything that could go wrong went wrong. He says lack of workers, slow money to fund the project, and environmental factors have all played a major part in the delays. He added he is sympathetic to the people of Rippon Street, but and they are doing the best they can with what they have.
Residents say they are making the best of the situation too.
"We are ultimately so excited for this project to get completed, that's been felt from the beginning. And we're positive that it's going to take place. I just hope that in the future lessons are learned," Spratt said.
There will be a city council meeting Monday night at 7 p.m. where residents can voice their concerns. The project is now scheduled to be completed in June, while residents were told it was supposed to be done in October. There are three other roads in the city that also need to be completed.
