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West Brownsville residents air concerns over sewage project

By Jenny Susa 3 min read

WEST BROWNSVILLE – The West Brownsville Borough Council heard from residents Tuesday who said they are concerned about the Center West Joint Sewage Authority’s upcoming sewage project. Gerald Mayers of Madison Avenue, said that he and many other residents who live near him are upset that the authority plans to install sewage lines in the alleys behind their homes, rather than going into the streets, causing them extensive property damage.

“This will cause total destruction to people’s properties,” said Mayers. “We have to go over 100 feet to get back to the alley. You’re talking about 75 homes that the owners will pay $3,000 or more.”

Dan Kendall, vice president of council and chairman for the authority, said that Rural Utility Service (RUS) would not allow the authority to tap into existing lines, and because the project was bid with the lines going in the alleys, it would cost an additional $216,000 to change the plans and build the lines along the streets.

“Our hands are tied by the RUS funding agency,” said Kendall. “We are trying to get the lines moved, and the engineering will be done if we can do it with that extra cost.”

Kendall said that the engineers were instructed to create an alternative plan in case the project should come under budget, in which case they would move the lines.

“I want the lines to be moved too, but I can’t guarantee that they will moved with the funding money we have available.”

President Pat Maxon said she also feared that there would be flaws with the sewage project, but said she was confident that the authority was doing the best it could.

“I personally sympathize with the situation, and we do fear that we may do things that are not appropriate,” said Maxon. “But Mr. Kendall has worked hard to bring the sewage project here. We’re doing the best we can to bring sewage to the community, and Mr. Kendall is more knowledgeable than most people. He does recognize the flaws of the project.”

In another matter, Secretary Jack Sabo reported that the Bush administration had proposed a change to the Community Development Block Grant program, which has helped the borough with funding in the past. The new legislation would reduce funding to Washington County by consolidating several grant programs. The Washington County Redevelopment Authority notified the council that it expected the proposed changes to “have a negative effect on the county.”

Sabo said that the authority was asking municipalities to contact Congress and state legislators to oppose the changes, and they asked the council to adopt a resolution in support of the Community Development Block Grant program. The council agreed and passed the resolution.

In other matters, Maxon said that councilwoman Patty Callis has resigned from her position on council. Although Maxon said she had not submitted her resignation in writing, the position would be open, and they would advertise it after receiving Callis’ written resignation. Maxon encouraged everyone interested in the position to apply as soon as it is open.

Maxon also said the time has come to pick up garbage and plant flowers in the borough, and asked for the community’s help.

“Feel free to volunteer or send money for the project,” said Maxon.

Councilman Gary Bennett reported that during the warmer months, the fire department would be selling hoagies to raise money. He said that occasionally, there would be barbequed chicken for sale on Sundays, and said that it would be advertised.

“We would appreciate the borough’s help,” said Bennett. “When you can order a hoagie or some chicken when it is available.”

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