Massive Hole in Jackson Street Raises Neighborhood Safety Concerns

Residents say the hazardous issue has gone unaddressed for nearly two years.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:35am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a dimly lit street, with a large, dark void in the center representing a dangerous hole that has gone unaddressed, surrounded by blurred, warm-toned houses and streetlights, conveying a sense of unease and neglect.A neighborhood's frustration with a persistent infrastructure issue that has eroded their sense of safety and community.Jackson Today

Residents in Jackson's Oak Forest neighborhood say a large, dangerous hole in the street near Santa Clair Street and Alameda Avenue has been a growing safety risk for almost two years, with the city slow to address the problem. The hole, which began as a work site, has become increasingly hazardous, especially at night with a nearby streetlight out. Locals fear the situation could lead to someone getting hurt, with one resident saying she's "afraid to back my car out." The city councilwoman for the area says her office was unaware of the issue until it was brought to their attention, and she has now contacted the proper departments to get it resolved.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges some Jackson neighborhoods face in getting the city to promptly address infrastructure issues that pose safety risks to residents. Unattended problems like this hole can create dangerous conditions, especially for pedestrians and drivers, and erode community trust in local government.

The details

The large hole in the street near Santa Clair Street and Alameda Avenue began as a work site but has since turned into a serious hazard, according to residents. The hole is now covered only by caution tape and a buried gas pipeline, making it nearly invisible, especially at night when a nearby streetlight is also out. Locals fear a child could easily walk into the hole or a driver could accidentally hit it.

  • The hole has been a problem for nearly two years.
  • Crews first came out to address the issue but then left it unresolved.

The players

Rosie Cain

A homeowner in the Oak Forest neighborhood who is afraid to back her car out due to the hole.

Shay Day

A homeowner who says the hole is "definitely a hazard" and that the city "drops the ball" on issues like this.

Lashia Brown-Thomas

The Ward 6 City Councilwoman who was unaware of the problem until it was brought to her attention, and has now contacted the proper departments to get it resolved.

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What they’re saying

“I'm afraid to back my car out.”

— Rosie Cain, Homeowner

“The street light is out. I think it's just one of many different things that the city drops the ball on.”

— Shay Day, Homeowner

“Well, it needs to be taken care of right away because this is a hazard and it's unsafe. So I have contacted the proper department, and they will be on it.”

— Lashia Brown-Thomas, Ward 6 City Councilwoman

What’s next

The public works department has placed construction cones around the hole, and Councilwoman Brown-Thomas says she will stay on top of the issue until it is fully resolved.

The takeaway

This situation underscores the need for better communication and responsiveness from the city of Jackson when it comes to addressing infrastructure problems that pose safety risks to residents. Prompt action is crucial to maintain community trust and ensure the safety of all Jackson neighborhoods.