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Residents, manager press Palmyra Borough to address chronic stormwater tied to Ridge Road development
Summary
Residents told the Palmyra Borough Council at its July meeting that a recent Ridge Road development and long-standing mapping irregularities are worsening stormwater problems. Borough staff said old maps, unconnected pipes and a 1956 plan will be examined and the borough engineer is studying fixes.
Residents told the Palmyra Borough Council on July 22 that repeated flooding and runoff linked to a recent Ridge Road development and longstanding infrastructure problems require immediate follow-up.
At a public comment period, resident Dave McCloskey of 212 East Ridge Road told the council, “we did not show up soon enough when there was a development going in to voice our concerns.” He said residents have previously raised water concerns, submitted photos and videos, and that the new development has made the problem worse.
Why it matters: council members and staff heard that the problem is old and recurring. In later remarks Borough Manager Roger described a separate but related mapping problem—an alley shown on older maps (identified in records as Pear Alley and in some documents as Pair Alley) no longer aligns with the pipes and recorded right-of-way, and some storm pipes are in a newer alley. Manager Roger said he found a 1956 map that shows the alley as the borough’s records state, and that the alley was moved in the 1970s without clear documentation.
Most important facts: McCloskey said the stormwater issue has affected his property for “30 plus years.” Bill Ziders (333 East Main Street) also told the council he sees water pooling at a curve after runoff from a new development and warned of an icy hazard in winter. Manager Roger said PennDOT closed an open depression at North Grant Street as promised and the borough will monitor it. He also reported that borough staff, a title-search review by borough staff (Giselle) and the borough engineer (identified in the record as Mike Nous) are examining deeds, old plans (including a referenced Westlawn Addition) and stormwater connections in the block bounded by Maple, Cherry, Lingle and Windsor.
Discussion vs. decisions: Council did not adopt a formal policy or motion at the meeting. Manager Roger said staff will continue research and that the borough engineer is evaluating stormwater in the area to determine feasible fixes; he noted there is no documentation yet on when or why the alley alignment changed. Council members asked staff to gather oral history from long-time residents and to continue working with the engineer to propose options.
What’s next: the manager said staff will return with findings and possible remedies after title and engineering reviews. Residents offered to meet with borough staff and provide photos and on-the-ground history.
