Newburgh council approves three stormwater projects including Driftwood outfall repair

The Town of Newburgh council voted July 9 to approve three stormwater projects aimed at repairing erosion and improving drainage in multiple neighborhoods.

Town Engineer Drew Flamian described the proposals. For Driftwood Subdivision, staff presented a plan to fix an outfall that has produced embankment erosion at Allen’s Ditch by constructing a drop structure and riprap protection; the storm board recommended using a partial civil bond to fund the work, and the council approved the project.

The council also approved preliminary design and land-acquisition work for a Phelps Drive storm sewer extension to address drainage problems affecting two properties on South Yorkshire and Phelps Drive. Flamian said town crews may be able to perform construction in-house, but the first step is securing required easements and completing preliminary design; the project could be funded in 2026 depending on available resources.

For Kenwood Court, the council approved a task order to advance engineering for a longer-term ditch repair. Council members asked whether the task order covered the entire permanent project; Flamian clarified the task order includes phases for engineering and design. The council approved the Kenwood Court Ditch Repair item as presented.

All three motions carried by voice vote during the meeting; no detailed construction bids or final construction budgets were adopted at the July 9 meeting. Councilors and engineers emphasized that land acquisition and permitting will be required before construction can begin on the Driftwood and Phelps Drive projects, and that funding sources will be determined as design progresses.