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$1.2M Settlement In 26th Street Collapse That Displaced Dozens

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A $1.2 million settlement in the dramatic 26th Street collapse from 2014 that displaced dozens of families in Charles Village.

Gigi Barnett explains the money will be shared between families and businesses.

When a 100-year-old wall on E. 26th Street in Charles Village collapsed back in April 2014, neighbors say it sent their street into turmoil. A rebuild cost $15 million.

On Wednesday, the retaining wall and the street, which are right next to a CSX rail line, are brand spanking new and a settlement worth more than $1 million between the city, the rail company and neighbors is approved.

The deal keeps the city out of court.

"Everybody decides that it makes sense to resolve it at a common number, rather than have it stretch on for another two or three years."

Shortly after the wall collapsed, 30 homeowners brought claims against the city, saying they had sustained property damages.

Some of them had personal injuries, but most of all, they were upset about the inconvenience of being away from home for months on end while construction crews took over their street.

"We had to move out, that was one. Two, it was just like, we didn't want to move out, then when we came back, they still weren't finished. It was a whole bunch of ruckus out here."

The city's portion of the deal--nearly $500,000. CSX will shell out $700,000.

With more century-old walls still standing around Baltimore, this is a lesson learned.

"We are, I think, even more vigilant and careful to pay attention to the other walls that exist and to make sure that the walls are properly maintained."

Some homeowners will receive more than others based on the damages that they sustained. Each payment will range between $40,000 and $70,000.

The city says homeowners should receive their settlement checks within the next month.

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