Hillside drainage project held up by private‑property easement dispute, township says

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Homeowners on Hillside Avenue asked the board on May 12 when a long‑planned storm‑drainage project would begin after repeated flooding. Township staff said the project design requires an easement on a private property where the outfall pipe reaches the Chamonix Creek, and that the township cannot construct the outfall connection without the property owner’s permission.

Resident Carmen Clark Fagnell asked when the storm‑drain project would start. Township Engineer Michael Kessler said the hillside drainage project design depends on a coordinated easement for the pipe route to Chamonix Creek; staff are still negotiating with the private property owner. Kessler said the township can build storm improvements within the public right‑of‑way but cannot install the private outfall on the private lot without an easement or agreement.

Kessler and other staff offered to follow up directly with the affected homeowners and to coordinate options, including exploring alternatives if the easement is not granted. Residents said flooding continues on heavy rains and pressed staff for a timeline and point of contact. Kessler offered to provide contact details and follow up in the coming week.

Why it matters: The drainage project addresses repeated yard and roadway flooding in a neighborhood; projects that require private easements can be delayed even when municipal funding is available.

What’s next: Township staff will follow up with the residents and continue easement negotiations with the private property owner; no construction schedule was announced at the meeting.