Residents express concerns over drainage issues after severe storms in West End community

Concerns over stormwater management took center stage during the Palmyra Borough meeting on July 8, 2025, as residents voiced frustrations about flooding issues exacerbated by recent heavy rains. The discussions highlighted the inadequacies of the current stormwater system, particularly in light of extreme weather events.

Residents pointed out that the existing inlets, designed to collect debris and sediment, are causing water to back up onto the streets. One resident noted that the inlets are elevated compared to the unfinished road surface, leading to increased runoff. This situation was further complicated by the presence of a small lake forming at the intersection of Grant and Ridge, which raised questions about the functionality of the infiltration basin meant to manage excess water.

The meeting revealed that the stormwater facilities in place are only designed to handle a 10-year storm event, equating to 4.5 inches of rain over 24 hours. However, the recent storms delivered nearly 6 inches in less than a day, overwhelming the system. Residents expressed concern that the infrastructure is not equipped to handle such extreme weather, leading to significant flooding on local streets.

One resident described the alarming sight of water reaching the bottom of vehicle doors, illustrating the severity of the flooding. The discussions underscored a pressing need for reevaluation and potential upgrades to the stormwater management system to better cope with the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events. As the borough moves forward, addressing these concerns will be crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.