The majority of easements needed for Greensburg’s proposed Northmont flood control project have been signed, said Alec Italiano, the City of Greensburg director of planning and development.

Signatures of four property owners are still needed for the city to move forward with the work. Italiano said he’s continuing to negotiate with two of them.

“I think at the end of the day there’s only two properties that we might have to take further action,” he told council Monday.

Letters were sent early this year to owners of properties that would be affected by the proposed project. The target is an unnamed stream that runs parallel to Glenview Avenue in Greensburg’s Northmont neighborhood. It flows mostly through backyards and goes underground before connecting to Jacks Run near Lynch Field.

Greensburg officials are seeking easements on 20 properties in addition to a few that are owned by the city. In another letter sent this fall, property owners were given a Nov. 21 deadline to sign, Italiano said.

The proposed project will involve the construction of culverts and U-channels along the unnamed stream that could take up to two years to complete. The work will be funded through a state grant.

Solicitor Zach Kansler said he planned to discuss the easement situation with council during executive session.

Flooding has been happening in that neighborhood for decades. Getting a majority of easements signed is the most progress officials have made in years of trying to get the project underway.

TribLive archives indicate city officials have long been aware of the problem. A proposal to address it was shelved at some point, but heavy rain in August 2007 renewed interest in the work. After those rains, residents began complaining to council about flooded basements and sewage backup, the Trib reported in 2014.

Getting the necessary easements from property owners may have been an issue then, according to Trib archives.

“You need all the easements to do the project,” Italiano said.

Properties where easements are being sought are on Roosevelt Way, New Alexandria Road, Harvey Avenue, Albert Way, Kenneth Street, Kenmore Avenue, Northmont Street and Oakhill Avenue. Some are in Hempfield.

The current version of the project and easements will not cost property owners anything.

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