Water-drainage problems addressed in Perryopolis council meeting
PERRYOPOLIS – Water problems were on the minds of several borough residents Wednesday, as the borough council fielded more than 15 complaints about water drainage. The council heard complaints from a group of residents along Hancock Street about water running off new homes being built along Roosevelt Circle, above the road.
William Twigg, who acted as a spokesperson for the group, said the water from the cul-de-sac along Roosevelt is being directed down the hill toward the homes.
“We have major water problems when we have significant rains,” Twigg said. “This is a problem and we have to deal with it.”
The residents told the council that water is running from drain spouts constructed by the developer of the new homes and that the water is causing flooding in the their homes and their property.
“You have to sandbag your back yard to keep the water out,” Twigg said, adding that he put sandbags around his utility building, which is often flooded.
He said that the more homes that go up, the worse the problem gets as the water is diverted down the hillside.
According to Councilman Paul Black, about six new homes have been built in the development, and that there are other homes already along Roosevelt Circle.
The borough’s solicitor, Sam Davis, said that while the borough is not legally obligated to take any action, a meeting with the developer and landowners could help resolve the problem.
According to Twigg, prior attempts to talk to the developer about the problem were unsuccessful.
“If any there is a violation of any code, then action can be taken to remedy the problem,” Davis said. He said that in all likelihood, the problem will not legally involve the borough and that civil action could be taken, but he said he will schedule a meeting with the landowner and developer to discuss the problem.
The council also heard complaints again from John Hahn about water draining down Constitution Avenue onto his property.
Hahn said that he has been requesting action from the council since March and has yet to receive any satisfaction.
Johnson said that no action has been taken because litigation is still pending involving the right of way along Constitution Street.
The council met in executive session to discuss the matter further.
The council also announced that spring cleanup in the borough will be held Saturday.
Residents are urged to have any items for pickup ready at the curb Friday night.