Sea of Asphalt & Waves of Run-off

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As I look out my window all I can ‘sea’ is asphalt. Add rain to the mix and you have waves of run-off — onto my property!

One would wonder what the purpose of the Moosic Boroughs ordinances are for if they are not enforced. For this particular post the ordinances being referenced, among others, are listed below. A deeper dive will be had into each of the ordinances in future posts.

July 2, 2019 Borough zoning official was contacted in regard to proposed land development (paving project) in the community. Zoning officer was unaware of project as property owner did not submit an application for a permit for proposed work.

July 4-7, 2019 Preparation begins. Property owner performs saw cuts in asphalt sidewalks along Birney Ave. Excavation & preparation of area is performed.

July 8, 2018 It was a wet day! Rain fell for most of the day. Water run-off was a problem as preparation and grading was not properly planned or executed.

July 9, 2019 Paving begins! The contractor performing the work begins laying asphalt at the properties on Birney Ave.

7:00 PM: Attended council meeting and raised the concern about the work being performed which is in violation of the borough ordinances.

July 10, 2019 Paving continues. The contractor began laying asphalt on the property at Corey St.

July 11, 2019 Let it rain! The first rainfall since the asphalt has been laid. Excessive water run-off onto the neighboring properties. The front sidewalks of my property acted as a spill-way and channel for the run-off coming from the paved areas. Additionally, water was flowing quite freely across my other property causing pooling in my yard as well as the neighbors.

Sidewalks are channel for runoff from neighboring property.

July 22, 2019 Let it rain – again! More of the same as had been experienced during the rainfall of 7/11. In addition to the water running into neighboring yards, video had been captured showing the stream of water that is seeping into my basement.

July 30, 2019 More rain. More run-off!

August 2, 2019 Water that pools on the asphalt of the neighboring property is laying against the privacy fence which is separating the two properties. Saturated pickets can be seen where water seeps through the pickets as well as where the wooden fence absorbs the stagnant water.

August 8, 2019 More rain. More run-off!

August 13, 2019 Attended the 7:00 PM council meeting to once again raise the concern of the work that was performed in violation of the ordinances and the impact to the neighboring properties. Was looking for council to provide insight into how the borough was going to address the situation. Unfortunately, none was provided.

August 22, 2019 More rain. More run-off! When will it end??