Cheshire Settles Lawsuits Involving Abandoned Mines

The town of Cheshire has agreed to settle a pair of lawsuits that date back to 2007 and involve two families with abandoned mines under their homes, according to the Waterbury Republican-American.

The Republican-American reports that the town has paid $115,000 to settle the lawsuits with each couple — William and Lisa Baker of 395 Sheridan Drive and Craig and Samantha Ugrin of 390 Sheridan Drive — receiving $50,000 and the Bakers also were paid $15,000 to settle tax appeal claims.

Soon after buying their home in 2005, the Bakers learned that it sat atop an old mine shaft that ran through their property after a 25-foot-deep sinkhole opened up about 10 feet from the foundation, according to the Republican-American.

The same mine that runs under the Baker property continues under the Ugrins’ property across the street, according to the Republican-American. Both families sued the town in 2007.

Read the full story at the Republican-American here.