Northmont flood control project in Greensburg draws some critics

The engineer on a proposed flood control project in Greensburg said he plans to take resident concerns to state and federal officials.

But whether those concerns are enough to change the project design remains to be seen.

About a dozen residents participated in an informational meeting on the project Wednesday. Some voiced support for the work in the Northmont neighborhood but others had strong opposition.

Doug Oberdorf, who was representing his daughter at the session, said he’d like to see the project become more eye-pleasing.

“I hope the city takes these comments under consideration,” he said.

Letters were sent this year to owners of properties that would be affected by the project. The target is an unnamed stream that runs parallel to Glenview Avenue. 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. So far, 12 easement agreements have been signed, said Alec Italiano, director of planning and development

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

Water issues have been going on there for decades.

“I know there’s a long list of flooding in the area so the need is there,” said Jake Bolby, project manager with EADS Group.

Property owners looked over maps of the proposed work and asked Bolby and Italiano questions about how their land would be impacted.

John Maline said his Route 119 property, which houses Gino’s Pizza, will be adversely affected. He was concerned about the size of the channel that would be constructed along the edge of his property and the loss of green space.

“It’s going to look like a wasteland,” he said.

His neighbor Carissa Leonard agreed.

“It’s going to look like a jail cell after you guys tear out every single tree, every single shrub,” she said.

Both Maline and Leonard said they haven’t signed the easements.

Others have, such as Oberdorf’s daughter.

“She is in favor of the project because what she has right now is pretty much an eyesore,” Oberdorf said.

If all 20 easements are signed in the next few months, the state will seek contract bids later this year, Bolby said.

Work could start in the spring or summer next year.

Affected properties 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.

They could seek a reassessment of their properties with Westmoreland County if the easements are enacted, said Greensburg Solicitor Zach Kansler.