A 'hole' lot of trouble in Fort Lee

FORT LEE, N.J. (WABC) -- 7 On Your Side went out to investigate a hole, dug and left by workmen nearly a year ago, but wound up finding a condition that was potentially much more dangerous.

The rotting plywood and orange cones have decorated the street ever since Dr. Julio Westerband moved into his Fort Lee house nearly a year ago.

"Watch your foot, it's not a small hole. Look at that," Dr. Westerband said.

The hole hidden underneath is about 8 feet wide and 4 feet deep.

"Look at it. Anyone can fall in and get hurt," Dr. Westerband said. "With just little cones on it and a piece of wood, that's not safe."

He says he's called the town periodically.

"They told me that this was not the city's project. That it was PSE&G's. I've communicated with the city they've communicated with PSE&G.

Apparently the gap in communication has left the gaping hole untouched since November.

"I don't think it unreasonable to give someone a year to cover it up," Dr. Westerband said.

The orthopedic surgeon worries for his own small kids safety along with other children and pets in the neighborhood.

But that's not the biggest worry the neighbors have.

"Every time, we walk the dog, we smell gas," said Frank Blaso, a neighbor.

The Blasos say they didn't complain because crews have been in the hole working periodically and assumed it was being taken care of.

But when 7 On Your Side caught a whiff when we were on sight, we reported it to the utility. And within the hour crews were on scene.

"They came into my house checked all the pipes," said resident Irene Orefice.

Within 48 hours, the cavity was filled, and the gas smell was gone.

PSE&G apologized, saying it wasn't aware until we called and said the hole was still there. The utility had been working on replacing a homeowners gas line since last November. Remember always report any smell of gas, natural gas is odorless but has a strong additive so you know if there's a leak, if you smell something by all means say something.