At the March 12 Green Lane Borough Council meeting, the borough announced that, on February 20, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) purchased the McCuskins apartment building located along Route 29 and Lumber Street, 214 Main St. 

            The nine tenants of the apartment building must vacate the premises within 60 days.  The tenants have been compensated for the loss of their homes by FEMA.  Once vacated, the building will be razed. 

            A separate 12,000 square foot parcel of land was purchased from McCuskins Properties, LLC for $60,000.  The two McCuskins properties purchased by FEMA were then conveyed to the borough. 

            Currently, the borough owns approximately eight parcels along Lumber Street through FEMA purchases.  Most of the buildings have been razed.  The land will be cleared.  A natural meadow that is public open space along the Macoby Creek will be permitted to grow. 

            FEMA agreed to purchase the properties along Lumber Street after Hurricane Ida caused a devastating flood along the Macoby Creek.  The ever-present danger of flooding along the creek compelled the borough council to   seek a remedy for the residents of Lumber Street.  A few residents chose not to accept a buyout from FEMA.  So, those homes will remain standing. 

            In a separate matter, the borough council agreed to continue to pursue the purchase of the Green Lane Ambulance building from Freedom Valley Ambulance Association.  As yet, the price has not been announced because negotiations are ongoing.  The ambulance building is located on Walnut Street in Green Lane. 

            If the borough is successful in obtaining ownership of the building, it will be used as the borough municipal building.  Currently, the borough office building is located in rooms on the first floor of the Green Lane Fire House.  The ambulance building has the advantage of off-street parking.

            If it is purchased it will be outfitted with handicap accessible facilities that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.