Church responds to accessibility project complaints

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church says water pumping related to its ongoing construction will last for another two weeks, following concerns raised by some neighbors. The church, located at Hinman Avenue and Lee Street, has been working to add a new elevator as part of its accessibility project, as well as an ADA ramp and accessible bathroom. During excavation of the elevator pit, crews have had to pump water from the pit into the alley behind St. Luke’s. According to the church, the water accumulation was the result of the high water table located underneath the area, and the lack of a drain tile system for the century-old building. Geotechnical engineers have been brought in to help stabilize the elevator pit. In a letter sent to neighboring residents Tuesday, Peg Anderson, the church’s warden, said the water being pumped out is clean groundwater, and is not sewage or runoff from the building. The water pumping is expected to end around Nov. 24, according to the letter, with the church prepared to address any ice accumulation if temperatures drop below freezing during that time. Separately, during the construction process, a collapsed pipe in the alley that’s part of the city’s sewer system was also discovered. That’ll be repaired by the city, according to the church. The repairs are expected to begin Thursday and last until next Tuesday. Construction work at the church is expected to be mostly completed by next February. Related