May 17, 2002 By J.S. Augustine For The 3 min read

WEST BROWNSVILLE – With the recent severe weather of May 9, which flooded portions of the borough and scattered 75 to 100 tons of debris onto the borough’s Main Street, West Brownsville Mayor Martin Brockman declared the borough, a state of disaster. Brockman and other borough council officials are advising residents who suffered lose from the storm to write to their local state representatives for financial assistance in this emergency situation.

“We have a real mess on our hands from the recent storms,” Brockman said. “It will be several weeks before we have everything cleaned up in the borough.” Brockman said his heart goes out to those families that suffered losses during the storm.

“One Jefferson Avenue resident had seven feet of water in his home,” said Brockman. “It was up to his rafters and even busted a hole in back of the home’s foundation.”

Added Brockman, “Our drainage system could not support the constant rush of water. Water began to shoot out the drains.”

Council President Patricia Maxon elaborated on damage within the borough.

“On Pittsburgh Street, the storm caused a 4-foot hole that exposes the road’s bed,” she said. “Alley ways were washed out, and too many homes were flooded.”

Maxon said she is concerned not only for the community as a whole, and the damage to personal property the storm caused, but for the economical impact that it has on the borough and its residents.

Brockman, who resides on Middle Street, says he understands what many residents are experiencing with property lose.

“I lost my furnace in the flooding,” he said.

“This is why we are encouraging our residents to contact local state representatives. We need all the financial help we can get to correct the problems,” said Maxon.

Borough officials said they are thankful for the community’s support, help and understanding during this emergency situation.

“I’d like to thank borough council, the mayor, our street department, police force, fire department, and residents who helped in the cleanup efforts,” said Maxon.

“Everyone gave a 110 percent effort.”

Brockman says he can’t give a financial estimate on the damage caused by the storm at this time.

Elsewhere, council informed residents that in the coming weeks, Norfolk Southern Railroad will be starting their railway systems project on Main Street.

Norfolk Southern Railroad will be tearing out the tracks, installing new ones, and resurfacing Main Street in the process.

“The rails are sunk in the ground,” said Brockman, referring to safety of the tracks.

“With the installation of new tracks, the railroad company will be able to bring the tracks up where they belong.”

According to Brockman, the project shouldn’t last all summer.

On election day, May 21, Maxon and Brownsville Mayor Norma Ryan will be the guest cooks at Caleigh’s Restaurant (Uniontown location) to show support for owner Joe Carei, who is recovering from recent surgery.

Carei is the Brownsville Area High School’s cross-country coach.