Weeks of waiting and Willowick residents still without answers following garage collapse

WILLOWICK, Ohio (WOIO) - The collapse of a parking garage in Willowick has sent the lives of the people living in the attached parking garage into chaos. Nearly a month later, they are still waiting for answers.

“I just got an update about five minutes ago from one of the maintenance guys, and they said starting tomorrow, they’re going to finish shoring,” said Cyndy when asked about the garage.

Cyndy lives in the West Building of the Shoregate Towers Apartments and says her car has been stranded in the garage since the collapse.

“I’m so frustrated, so angry,” said Cyndy. “I had a job; I don’t have a job anymore because I don’t have a car to get to my job. I’m looking for a job, I’m looking for another place to live, and because I don’t have another income, I can’t get another place to live, and because I can’t get another place to live, I have to go month-to-month at this place.”

While the collapse and demolition of the garage destroyed many cars, there are still dozens more trapped behind fencing on top of or inside the section of the garage still standing.

One of the many questions from people living there is when will they get their cars back and will any help be given in the interim.

Cyndy says because her car is trapped but not damaged, insurance will not cover a rental, and she cannot afford to pay for one, leading to her loss of employment.

According to the people in Shoregate Towers, there has been no communication from building management addressing their concerns or questions.

The Lake County Building Department told 19 News the office was notified by the building that work started almost immediately to stabilize the section of the garage that did not collapse.

However, that is a “multi-phase job” that requires plenty of careful work, and a set date for cars to get out was not offered.

Officials at Willowick City Hall did not present any further insight into the investigation either but noted that some update is expected tomorrow.

The fire department replied to an interview request with “no comment.”

It’s the same response the apartment building management offered.

City officials did note the building is private property, and while it has been cited for code violations, the legal system now has to play out, which takes time.

For people like Cyndy, the waiting game is costing her dearly.

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