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Board declares infrastructure emergency for Oak/Chestnut storm sewer after repeated flooding
Summary
Seneca Falls declared an infrastructure emergency to authorize immediate replacement of an Oak/Chestnut storm sewer after a resident reported ongoing flooding; board members debated department sign‑offs and coordination but approved the emergency authorization.
The town board approved a resolution declaring an infrastructure emergency to authorize immediate replacement of the Oak Street/Chestnut Street storm sewer after repeated flooding displaced a resident and made the property uninhabitable at times.
During discussion several board members pressed for departmental review, asking why the matter was treated as an emergency more than a year after issues were first raised. One member questioned whether declaring an emergency would bypass necessary sign‑offs; the chair said the resolution still expects public‑works sign‑off but allows work to proceed if necessary to prevent continued damage.
The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the emergency declaration. Members also discussed how to coordinate responsibilities between Public Works and highway or engineering staff, and noted the intention that any town work would ultimately be charged to the property's account if the town performs corrective work.
