Christian Springs homeowners want sewer concerns alleviated

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

About 20 Christian Springs Road homeowners packed Wednesday's Lower Nazareth supervisors meeting asking the board to alleviate concerns stemming from the sewer line installation project at Trio Farms.

Crews began working on the sewer line in June and the project is to finish in the spring.

Homeowners say they have been bombarded by mosquitoes, harmful dust and poor drainage issues.

The homeowners received a letter from the township in June listing fixes to help with drainage. The homeowners believed the letter promised that crews would put in drains or culverts near their homes, however, Township Manager Timm Tenges told the group the letter was specific to "free-standing, ponding" water.

In a heated discussion, resident Carlton Glantz, who lives at 4359 Christian Springs Road, claimed the road wasn't watered enough to alleviate dust.

"There was no communication with the homeowners," he told the board.

Resident Bob Rutan accused supervisors of not having a proper drainage plan in place.

"You should have a plan instead of shooting from the hip," he said. "You should know what's happening."

Many of the residents said they can't get to their driveways when it rains, get to mail at the mailbox or let their dog outside. Resident Mike Cunningham said he has a pond in his front yard.

"All I want is for the water to go where it's supposed to go," he said. "What are you going to do with the driveways? Put a pipe through the driveway?"

Tenges assured Cunningham once work is completed, it likely will be better than what he is dealing with now. However, he said he will never get away from water running in front of his house through the gutters in the roadway. Cunningham said water traveling into gutters is the goal.

"Believe me, we're going to try and do everything we can to remedy some of these situations," said Chairman Eric Nagle, noting supervisors also will work on having better communication with the residents.

Tenges told the residents he sympathizes with them.

"Clearly, if it was in front of my house, I probably would feel identical to these folks," Tenges said. "But we tried our best to minimize that."

As a temporary fix, the developer has since paved the road to get rid of dirt and dust. After winter, crews are expected to rip up the road again and resurface it.

Ted Pastula, who lives on James Drive near the intersection with Christian Springs, was concerned about water running onto his street as a result of the project and fears children will have to stand in water while waiting at bus stops. Tenges said he will look at where the grade goes and the township will make corrections as necessary to alleviate any standing water.

Tenges told the public the township also is looking into an easement from the owners of the former Nazareth Speedway to build a pipe that would help drain water from Christian Springs. There have been numerous discussions between all parties involved on how to better solve the drainage issue, he said.

"We believe this is the best method to keep water on the appropriate side of the road," Tenges said.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2011/09/christian_springs_homeowners_w.html