Green Township to study Lake Tranquility drainage after Greentree Drive collapse

The Green Township Committee on March 3 discussed two infrastructure problems that officials said must be addressed before road repairs: a drainage study for Lake Tranquility and an emergency excavation on Greentree Drive.

Township Clerk Mark Zschack told the Committee six firms submitted proposals for a Lake Tranquility drainage study, with bids ranging from $58,100 to $127,500. He said himself and Township Engineer Tom Knutelsky are reviewing the proposals and will present a recommendation for award at the Committee's March 17, 2025 meeting.

The Committee also reviewed a recent collapse of the road surface on Greentree Drive. The clerk said two drainage pipes in the area appear to be failing and producing depressions that indicate infiltration into the pipes. The road is scheduled to be closed on Thursday, March 6 for exploratory excavation so the engineer can determine the cause and next steps.

Resident Josephine Fracasso asked why the Township pays for Lake Tranquility maintenance. Mr. Zschack explained that roadways and drainage systems are the Township's responsibility and said the drainage system must be fixed before road repairs can proceed; he described the drainage study as the first step in that process.

Zschack also said the Township is updating its asset inventory spreadsheet for year‑round maintenance of records and noted the Division of Local Government Services had told the Township this year’s Local Recreation Improvement Grant funding pool is smaller by more than $5 million, making full funding for the EverGreen Park walking‑path project unlikely; partial funding remains a possibility.

The Committee did not take additional action at the March 3 meeting; the clerk and engineer will return March 17 with a recommendation for awarding the drainage study contract.