Watch and wait is all Michael Dijoseph can do. His East Aurora restaurant, Mikey Dee's has been closed since a 40 by 40 sinkhole opened next to his business more than a week ago.
Dijoseph said the sinkhole damaged his building, costing thousands of dollars in lost food and business. His insurance will not cover the cost.
"The agency and the company explained to me that the sink hole was created by the pipe which is the responsibility of the municipality," Dijoseph said.
Mayor Allan Kasprzak said this has been a nightmare. Thirty years ago the village leadership decided to build roadways on top of a large drainage pipe, to add ore parking for businesses. That old pipe now needs to be replaced, which would cost millions. On top of that, much of the pipe is under driveways and businesses throughout the Village of East Aurora.
"I understand the frustrations of the business owner and I hope he can understand our frustrations too," Kasprzak said.
The village has enough money in funds to replace a portion of the pipe and to fill the sinkhole. It could take up to two weeks to complete.
Dijoseph said he appreciates all the support from customers and he's hoping to be open somehow before Christmas.
"We have a lot of holiday parties coming up and we need to get open for that," Dijoseph said.
