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Resident says borough DPW dumped concrete into storm drain, damaging nearby property
Summary
A Pompton Lakes resident told the council that the borough Department of Public Works dumped bags of concrete into a storm drain at 1102 Colfax Avenue in September 2025 and asked when repairs to the undermining at 1104 would begin; the administrator said the insurance claim is pending with the joint insurance fund and staff will follow up.
A Pompton Lakes resident spoke during public comment on March 11, saying the borough Department of Public Works dumped “over half dozen bags of concrete into a storm drain running into the lake at 1102 Colfax Avenue” on Sept. 13, 2025 and that long-running erosion has undermined the neighboring property at 1104 Colfax, damaging a retaining wall, pool deck, patio and shed.
The resident, identified on the record by the mayor as Mr. Popoff, said an engineering study and contractor bids were completed in June 2024 but that a new engineering firm and deliberations with the joint insurance fund have delayed repairs. “When will the decision come? How does this administration facilitate a resolution? How can you people help?” he asked the council.
Borough Administrator Michael Corelli told the council the insurance claim is pending with the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund and that further deliberations could be protected in closed session. He said he has been communicating with Mr. Popoff by email and would follow up with the borough’s new risk manager to determine next steps.
Mayor (filling in for Mayor Sarah) acknowledged the long-running issue and said the administration and the joint insurance fund have been working with the resident. Council members urged a timely resolution, noting safety concerns for the undermined retaining walls and adjacent structures.
The borough did not provide a firm start date for repairs during the meeting. Administrator Corelli said he would continue to pursue updates with the insurance fund and the borough’s engineers and report back to the resident and the council.
Next steps: the council directed follow-up with the insurance fund and the borough engineer; any additional details about funding, contractor selection or a repair schedule were not specified at the meeting.
