Ridley residents complain of flooding problems
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP >> A Haller Road resident told commissioners at their July meeting that he and several of his neighbors experienced water infiltration in their basements because of the flooding in the alley behind their homes during the July 22 storm. He questioned whether clogged storm drains could have been responsible for the problem.
Commissioner Mike Crea told Ed Laguma that the drains in the alley behind his home are cleaned out twice a year, while township Manager Ed Pisani said there was high tide on nearby Darby Creek at the time of the storm that most likely contributed to the flooding.
McCrae also noted that the Leedom area where Haller Road is located is at the end of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, which adds to the amount of water surging into the area.
In another matter, plans for renovations to the township administration building and police department that opened in the early 1960s have been unveiled.
Pisani said the three-phase construction project is estimated to cost about $900,000, with the first phase calling for renovating the old upper level library into additional space for township administration offices, including the reception area and the tax office. This will free up space in the current administration wing for an expanded code enforcement department.
The second phase will entail renovating the lower level childrens’ library for police department use, including the anticrime unit.
“There will be all new lockers and a couple of holding cells,” Pisani said.
The last phase will cover the renovation of the lobby area and the installation of a standard elevator.
The township opened a new library building adjacent to the administration building about two years ago.
In his public safety report, commissioners President Bob Willert issued a call for more crossing guards. Anyone interested should apply at the administration building.