Mar 25, 2005 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

WEST BROWNSVILLE – Several West Brownsville residents approached the Center West Joint Sewage Authority Thursday to voice concerns about the design for the new sewage system the authority is planning to build. Residents along Madison, Jefferson and Monroe streets say they are upset that the authority is planning to build sewer lines in the alleys behind their homes because it will destroy too much of their property. Because they are worried they will have to absorb too much cost, they want the authority to have the engineers change the plans to build the lines in the along the main roads, where the original sewer lines are located.

“You can’t go through these properties to put in these lines,” said one concerned citizen, explaining to the authority that it would be nearly impossible for him to connect if the lines were built that way, because the alley is higher than his property.

Engineer Bruce Chambers said that although some property owners would have difficulty, it was still the most practical way to design the system.

“A lot of people may have trouble, but to say that it is easier and cheaper to go in the front is not necessarily true,” said Chambers.

He explained that the original lines have to be replaced because Rural Utilities Service (RUS) would not allow them to build over the existing lines. Chambers said a cost analysis was done and it determined that the cheapest way to build the system was to build the lines in the allies.

Chairman Dan Kendall said that RUS had informed them that it would cost the authority $250,000 more to build the lines along the main road.

“Our position is based on that,” said Kendall.

Kendall added that RUS had also told the authority that they could reconsider their plans after the project was put out for bid.

“We don’t know what it will cost until then,” said Kendall. “If we find that there is a way we can do it differently and it will be cost effective, we will do that. Change orders happen during construction all the time. We’ll see if we can help these people out.”

In other matters, solicitor Jack Purcell reported that all rights of way needed for the project had been obtained, but he said he was still trying to work out an agreement with Joseph Ricco, the owner of the property where the authority plans to build a sewage treatment plant.

He said the property owner was waiting to get his own appraisal before agreeing to a price for the property.

“We have a little more time but I would like to wrap this up in the next 30 to 60 days,” said Purcell.

In another matter, board member Jack Barli resigned from his position, leaving a vacancy on the Centerville side of the authority. Kendall said those interested in serving on the board should contact the borough secretary in Centerville.