System repairs could be costly for Waynesboro

October 18, 2007|By JENNIFER FITCH

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Repairs to the Borough of Waynesboro's problematic stormwater system could easily exceed $800,000, engineers said.

That figure was presented in a report that focused on the system's two worst areas - Maple Street to Potomac Street and Maple Street to South Church Street.

Consultants with Dennis E. Black Engineering recommended a new concrete channel comparable to an aqueduct at a cost of $375,000. They also recommended the replacement of a concrete box culvert for $350,000 and new $75,000 railings to reduce borough liability of someone injuring themselves in the system.

"We'll find the money," Councilman Craig Newcomer said, adding that the borough would likely borrow the lion's share.

The borough receives approximately $55,000 revenue from each mill of real estate taxes levied on its property owners, Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger said.

Dennis E. Black Engineering's final report is in development and still awaits aerial maps from another company.

Residents of homes plagued with flooding were again before the Waynesboro Borough Council on Wednesday, urging a temporary moratorium of development.

"When people are realizing thousands and thousands of dollars worth of damage, and in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage ... something needs to be done," said Dick Rose of 118 W. Fifth St.

"The next storm we get is going to incur costs. That could be next week or next spring," he said.

Rose and homeowners from Maple Street, Cemetery Avenue and South Potomac Street have said that even short periods of quick, heavy rains cause flooding.

Case law shows moratoriums fail when challenged in court, according to Melissa Dively, who serves as the borough's solicitor through her law firm.

She said she would continue to research ways that one might be enacted legally.

"It runs off into the streets and causes a backup. I believe these builders are meeting code, but there's nowhere for the water to go," said Carl Jamarik of 493 S. Potomac St.

Many development plans being submitted now include holding tanks on site for storm water, Newcomer said.

Scott Crum, who works as a draftsman in the borough engineering department, suggested putting a holding tank under the public Rotary parking lot if the borough council proceeds with an idea to repave it with brick imprint.

Three households have sued the borough over the flooding.

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