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Town updates on major sewer break at 100 East Hartsdale Ave; FEMA grant to fund Abbott Court home elevations
Summary
Board members described an active emergency response to a large sewer break at 100 East Hartsdale Avenue, explained that temporary bypass piping is in place and cameras cannot inspect the pipe until water is removed, and outlined next steps for a FEMA grant to fund elevations on Abbott Court (town will manage project; FEMA expected to reimburse homeowners).
Town officials updated the Greenburgh Town Board on June 4 about an ongoing sewer‑pipe failure affecting 100 East Hartsdale Avenue and described a separate FEMA grant that will fund home elevations on Abbott Court.
Public safety and response: staff and emergency responders have been on site and installed temporary above‑ground bypass piping to keep buildings functioning. The town said county health officials inspected the site and indicated there was no immediate public‑health threat; officials nonetheless cautioned residents about odors and emphasized the hazards of confined‑space work and sewer gases. Staff said inspection cameras cannot be used while the pipe remains underwater and that crews must pump or bypass the line before internal inspection can proceed.
FEMA grant and homeowner program: the Chair said FEMA would send grant documentation to the town next week. Director explained the town will manage the project — issuing an RFP for an engineer to design foundations and oversee construction, obtaining land surveys and elevations, and contracting external firms to perform the work. “This is going to be a multi‑year project,” a staff member said. A board member characterized the cost share as a 90% FEMA / 10% homeowner match in this round, and others recalled prior programs with less generous homeowner matches (75/25).
Why it matters: the sewer break is a local emergency affecting building access and public safety; the FEMA grant could pay for elevating private homes but requires substantial municipal project management and upfront municipal action before homeowner reimbursement.
What’s next: FEMA contract paperwork expected next week; town staff will work with planning, legal and procurement to issue RFPs and manage the multi‑year elevation program. Town staff committed to regular public updates on timeline and access for first responders.
Sources: Board discussion at June 4 work session; staff and board statements.
