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Residents press Middletown public works over recurring runoff and winter ice on Chamberlain Hill
Summary
Residents Mick Baldock and Tim Hollister told the commission that runoff pooling below a private driveway on Chamberlain Hill repeatedly freezes into thick ice, creating safety and delivery problems; staff said they enlarged pipes and added catch basins and committed to re-inspect and meet with residents and the town engineer.
Two residents described recurring winter hazards from stormwater runoff on Chamberlain Hill during public comment at the Aug. 13 meeting of the Public Works and Facilities Commission.
Mick Baldock, who identified himself as a resident of Chamberlain Hill Road, said runoff pools at the base of a private driveway and “turns into 3 to 4, and even 5 inches of ice” that can block mail delivery and create dangerous driving conditions. He asked whether residents at 980 and 1000 Chamberlain Hill could meet with an engineer or town representative to understand why the repair work stopped short of their properties.
Tim Hollister (1000 Chamberlain Hill) gave a more detailed account of the hazard and its history, saying the ice becomes “a gigantic glacier 4 or 5 inches thick” that erodes the road edge and damages mailboxes. Hollister said he had attended prior meetings over the past two to three years and that prior explanations included the presence of ledge beneath the road; he asked the town to re-examine that claim and to consider excavation or other approaches if necessary.
Acting Director Bobby Nolf Peterson said staff had already upsized pipework and added catch basins in the area (noting an increase from a 15-inch pipe to a 24-inch pipe) and that Bobby Russo would re-inspect the specific locations the residents identified. Peterson requested photos and videos from residents and said she would contact Town Engineer Tom Negasanti and follow up with a date for a meeting between residents and staff.
Peterson acknowledged that while the town had made progress on the road project (paving, new basins, curb work), the specific concern about runoff above the private driveway may require additional work. She committed to returning to the residents with an update after the highway superintendent and town engineer review the site.
No formal action was taken at the meeting to change work scope or funding; staff said they would evaluate remedies and report back. Residents were encouraged to share photographic evidence and to meet with staff on site.
