Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sykesville approves $280,000 stormwater work for Norwood and Central avenues
Summary
The Sykesville Mayor and Town Council approved a not‑to‑exceed $280,000 proposal by BGC Inc. to install stormwater infrastructure on Norwood and Central avenues, funding the work from ARPA, capital and highway user revenues.
The Sykesville Mayor and Town Council voted Oct. 14 to approve a proposal from BGC Inc. to build stormwater improvements on Norwood Avenue and Central Avenue, authorizing an amount not to exceed $280,000 and directing the mayor to sign necessary documents.
Staff described two long‑planned projects: on Norwood Avenue the work will add two inlets (one behind the church and another at the Norwood/Church corner), new curb and sidewalk, and tie into existing underground storm infrastructure; on Central Avenue the work extends infrastructure installed by the state along Springfield Avenue to divert much of the flow from Central underground.
Joe (town staff) said funding would come from a mix of ARPA funds already under contract (~$80,000), the capital plan ($100,000) and highway user revenues for paving and repairs. Staff provided a recommended contract amount of just under $270,000 and asked council to authorize up to $280,000 for contingencies.
Residents raised strong safety concerns. A resident who presented photos described a 2019 incident and later events in which a neighbor had to be rescued: “The first picture you see there is George. He’s wading through 4 feet of water,” the presenter said while describing clogged inlets and a failing stormwater pond upstream. Staff acknowledged the proposed work would “have an effect” on debris and volume but said, “Will it solve all of the stormwater problems in that area of town? Absolutely not.” The staff presentation noted some drainage corridors and infrastructure are on private property and lack public easements, limiting immediate town authority.
Council members asked follow‑up questions about inlet locations, the existing inlet under Church Street, maintenance and the pond inspection schedule; staff said the pond is inspected on roughly a three‑year cycle and that dredging/maintenance dates would be checked. The council asked staff to continue monitoring and to consider additional inlet work if the improvements do not sufficiently reduce flooding.
The motion to approve the BGC proposal was made and seconded in open session; the mayor announced the motion passed unanimously.
