Sinkhole problem at old Coliseum Center worsens

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A sinkhole problem in the parking lot at the old Coliseum Center on Independence Boulevard has gotten worse.

Neighboring businesses said some of the sinkholes have been there for years, and some opened up in the last few weeks.

Some of the sinkholes are big enough that a person could fall in and are 3 or 4 feet deep.

There are no warnings posted at the sinkholes.

(Giant sinkhole)

Channel 9 reporter Blaine Tolison counted four holes in the parking lot of the mostly shuttered shopping center.

Neighboring businesses are warning customers not to park in the parking lot.

“I caution them constantly,” a resident said.

A few weeks ago, Frank Norton couldn't believe the geyser in the parking lot of the plaza next to his transmission shop.

"The water was 20 feet up in the air,” Norton said. “A gigantic mess."

The one created by that geyser is about 4 feet wide and a few feet deep.

The owner of the property, Chris Bitterlin, who spoke to Channel 9 in 2015 promises new development.

Bitterlin said a broken storm pipe underground caused most of the holes.

He said Monday he'll have barriers put up around the holes.

Cox Media Group