NV Twp. Commissioners Promise Action on Storm Sewers

By Richard Finch Jr.
The Tube City Almanac
July 22, 2018
Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News

Recent heavy rainstorms are causing concern for residents in the Larimer Street section of North Versailles Twp.

During the public comment portion of Thursday's meeting, resident Mary Henning told township commissioners that water "is shooting out of the sewer system" and that she wasn't satisfied with the results of an earlier discussion she had with the township engineer.

“That’s why I showed up today," she said.

Henning's brother, Donald Rush, said he's helping his sister clear land nearby for possible development. “I’ve been studying this for a year, standing out in the rain just to gather information,” Rush said. “Only when it rains extremely hard and for a long period of time does the basin across the street not handle the water.”

Commission Vice President Sam Juliano said he inspected the site on July 17 and that the issue was discussed at the municipal authority meeting. He said the basin will be inspected to see if it needs to be cleaned or if it's damaged.

“Due to the tremendous amount of water that is occurring (during storms) throughout the county it may be necessary to have a larger basin installed,” Juliano said.

Juliano said township engineer Dave Gilliland will study the problem and devise a solution.

Gilliland said the township municipal authority is working on a smartphone application that will show when storm basins have been inspected and cleaned. The mapping process is almost 50 percent complete, he said.

In other business:

Commissioner Russell Saula recognized police and firefighters for their response to a protest on July 8 that closed Route 30.

Protesters forced the closure of roads in both East Pittsburgh and North Versailles as they demanding justice for Antwon Rose II, who was fatally shot by East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld during a traffic stop last month.

“The police and fire departments did a very professional job considering the short notice,” Saula said. “I don’t believe we ever went through any march or protest in recent years. They all did a good job.”

Commissioner Tracy Yusko said a grant in the amount of $75,000 was awarded from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County for renovations at Fairhaven Field. Yusko added they are looking into improvements to the park as well as the basketball court.

Commissioners voted to approve a motion for a $500 donation presented by Yusko on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department for three painting events sponsored by the East Allegheny High School Art Club. The events will take place in July and August and are free of charge for township children.

Commissioners announced the August opening of a new business, Tractor Supply Company, on Route 48.

Richard Finch Jr. is a freelance writer and photographer from West Mifflin. This is his first byline for Tube City Almanac. He can be reached at finchr43@gmail.com.

Originally published July 22, 2018.

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