Sink Hole Appears at High Falls

By Ted Elton

Rochester, NY – Business owners and city residents are concerned about a sink-hole that opened up in the High Falls District early Monday afternoon.

The 15-foot-hole is located near the Pont-de-Rennes Bridge and local business owners fear it could put a damper on the area's summer tourism season.

Jackie, a visitor to the falls, expressed her concern. "I think it's scary. I'm going to make sure that [I'm not] standing over there any time soon."

As of Tuesday night the city hadn't issued an official statement, but locals speculate that the hole could be the product of erosion underneath the brick courtyard. A small waterway, Browns Race, runs directly beneath the affected area.

High Falls business owner Carleen Wilenius visited the courtyard hours before the cave-in. "I assumed it was still solidly supported underneath... it was about 8:30 [Monday] morning, and I just walked across it."

The hole is taped off from public access while city officials look into the incident.