Fairview Park condo residents trapped by downed wires

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - Downed power lines on Mastick Road in Fairview Park forced scores of home owners to stay home until power crews could move possibly dangerous wires crossing the only way out of their Old Orchard Condominium development.

Old Orchard condo residents Richard Benjamin, Carol Glotzbecker, and Donna Noss had been stuck in their homes, unable to leave with a car since Monday evening. Walking through neighboring yards had been the only way out for them for a quick jaunt to the store for supplies.

Around 11 a.m. Wednesday power crews finally showed up to help them out and access the work that needed to be done. Snapped power poles leaning on other power lines for support filled the north side of Mastick Road just east of Clague Road.

Residents were ecstatic to see some hope for their cold homes.

"I was ready to go give the guy a hug, but he didn't look too huggable," said Benjamin. Benjamin works at nearby St. John's Hospital and has been forced to take sick days, staying home with his wife.

"You have no idea how happy we are. Holy mackerel!" said Benjamin.

Fariview Park police ask that only residents travel on Mastick Road until crews have safely cleaned up the downed wires and repaired the poles.