Green Lane Borough Council announced on Thursday night that in August they tentatively expect more settlements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for residents of the borough affected by flooding from Hurricane Ida.
A portion of the money allocated to buy properties flooded by the Macoby Creek has been awarded. Thus far, three properties have been purchased for approximately $604,126 through the Hurricane Ida Disaster Recovery Fund. The total to be awarded to purchase the flooded properties is approximately $2,339,854. Several of the properties are located along Lumber Street.
Once all the properties, nine in total, are purchased they will be demolished. It is expected some form of open space will be created on the site. In recent years, flooding along Macoby Creek has become a consistent problem due to new development upstream. Silt that has accumulated in the Macoby Creek and its small tributaries has exacerbated flooding conditions. Flooding in some areas along Macoby Creek has been so severe that local fire companies have had to perform water rescues from homes, particularly in Green Lane Borough.
Secretary Mary Garber and engineer Joe Carlin, of Gilmore Associates, have been particularly proactive in their pursuit of assistance for the residents affected by flooding.
In other matters, solicitor Dave Comer informed the borough council he will meet with Marlborough solicitor Mark Cappuccio and Green Lane/Marlborough Sewer Authority solicitor Eric Frey in July concerning the sewer authority's regulations on grinder pumps.
The Green Lane/Marlborough Sewer Authority building has a problem with settling. The cost to erect pilings to correct the settling is approximately $12,000 per piling.
Council rejected all bids for Route 29 sidewalks because of the high cost. The project will be rebid with a reduced scope. Bids for the project are expected to be opened on July 10th.
Council approved a resolution to apply for a "Green Ways" grant. Green Lane received a $10,000 Green Region grant from the Pennsylvania Electric Company (PECO). The grant can be used as a match for the borough sidewalk project.
In 2025 Green Lane Borough will be 150 years old. Celebrations for Green Lane's anniversary are in the planning stages. In 2026 the United States of America will celebrate its 250th anniversary. Garber noted the Chamber of Commerce suggested a celebration that combines both anniversaries.
Residents can expect a borough newsletter in their mailboxes soon. Garber was responsible for its creation.