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Residents press Southampton Township on debris and dirt roads; fire departments receive library award and flag equipment needs
Summary
At the April 17 meeting residents criticized uneven debris removal and recent FEMA flood-map changes; local fire chiefs received a library award, reported call activity and showed a tanker they said needs replacement.
Residents raised several infrastructure and safety concerns at the Southampton Township Committee meeting on April 17, while local fire officials accepted a community-service award and flagged equipment needs.
Evie Doherty of Leisuretown told the committee she disputes the characterization that public works had cleared all roads, saying Stratford and Newberry streets still have hanging limbs and other hazards. "This is a hazard that should be addressed," she said. Doherty also told the committee there has not been "a zero increase in local taxes since 2002."
Deputy Mayor William Raftery acknowledged the strain on crews after several nor'easters and thanked public works staff and fire departments, saying crews had worked "10 to 12 hour days" to clear fallen trees and limbs and that most of the township had been serviced at least once.
Betsy Walker of Ridge Road said new FEMA maps have placed her property in a floodplain for the first time since she moved there in 1976 and that she is now being required to carry flood insurance. The committee explained the maps were produced by a federal agency and offered Walker suggestions for next steps.
Residents also praised specific roadway work: Bob Marcantionio of Tabernacle thanked the committee for repaving Soy Place Road. By contrast, Joe DeLuca and Patty Bowker raised concerns about a lack of maintenance on dirt roads such as Friendship and West Patty Bowker Road, saying potholes have become hazardous and that recent weather and contractor delays have slowed repairs.
During communications, Ed Moore presented the Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library Community Service Recipient Award to the Hampton Lakes and Vincent fire departments. Hampton Lakes' deputy chief reported call activity and brought fire tanker 1726 for the committee to inspect, saying the tanker "is not in good shape" and expressing hope the department remains "on the radar" for a replacement. The Vincent Fire Company chief also reported the department's call counts and activities.
The committee approved routine consent resolutions (2018-45 and 2018-46) adjusting Tax Collector records and approved bills for payment; those motions passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after the committee's business was complete.
