Jeannette seeks flooding fix before Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County digs up sports field

Jeannette officials want the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County to agree to fix a flooding problem in 15 homes before allowing the authority to dig up part of a sports field in West Jeannette for a project.

The two entities have been working on an agreement for months, said city Solicitor Tim Witt.

“The city’s not looking for any other compensation for that easement other than making sure the residents are taken care of,” he said.

Fifteen properties on 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th streets in West Jeannette have had multiple issues over the past 10 years with stormwater and sewage backing up into basements and homes, said city engineer Ed Antonacci and Fire Chief Bill Frye.

One of those instances happened in July 2019, when heavy downpours forced sewage and water up through a drain in the basement of some homes. Frye said residents have replaced appliances numerous times over the past 10 years after they were destroyed by the flooding.

Antonacci said he has been working with MAWC officials on an agreement to have check valves put in the 15 properties in exchange for the rights to run a line through Buster Clarkson Field. Authority spokesman Matt Junker would not detail the proposed project because he said an agreement had not been reached with the city.

Potential costs were discussed during a city council meeting Tuesday and council members balked at the possibility that residents might have to pay for some part of the installation.

“A lot of those homeowners down there … they can’t afford that,” said Councilwoman Robin Mozley.

Councilman Chuck Highlands agreed.

“I’m not willing to give any exposure to the homeowners to get this project done,” he said.

Both parties will continue to work out the details. Witt told council the city doesn’t have to allow the authority access to the property “until we’re happy.”