Elfreth's Alley is heavily promoted to tourists as a Philadelphia landmark. As more and more tourists arrive to see America's oldest, inhabited neighborhood, they are confronted by the broken slate and cobblestone. Are we waiting for one of them to tip and fall and sue the city? Philadelphia Water, It should also be noted that Electric, Gas and Water departments have all been out to do work on the Alley over the last five years. They have contributed to the problem but none of them have returned to repair the damage.