Report highlights Park Ave. resident’s struggle with city after flood damage

The Park Avenue sinkhole that opened next to Mark Stemler's home in July 2019. Photo: Mark Stemler

PARK CITY, Utah — On the night of July 11, 2019, a water main burst on Park Avenue, creating a giant sinkhole, and sending thousands of gallons of water into Mark Stemler’s home.

While Stemler’s home insurance covered the drywall damage, the policy would not touch the home’s destabilized foundation. Stemler estimates the repair cost is roughly a few hundred thousand dollars.

He believes Park City Municipal should be held liable, and has filed a lawsuit against the city and its asphalt paving contractor citing negligence. Park City has denied the accusations and has pointed to the Governmental Immunity Act.

KSL’s Matt Gephardt recently spoke with Stemler and investigated the case.

“Matt Gephardt did a great job,” Stemler told TownLift. “To update the case; I just won my motion to reopen discovery in the court.”