Drainage problems flow through Montrose

BY STACI WILSON

Drainage issues and the Rt. 706 project dominated talk at Monday’s Montrose borough council meeting.

The borough is looking to alleviate water issues from the south parking lot to Memorial Park, off Jackson St.

Street department supervisor Ken DiPhillips said water would be re-routed from a compromised stone culvert on South Main St.; and about 300–feet of 36-inch pipe from the park, across Jackson St., and up to the backside of Griffis Lumber would be installed to alleviate problems from a compromised junction box.

The cost of the project would be about $10,000.

Another water drainage project could also be on tap.

Engineer Scott Beeman discussed the Montrose Restoration Committee’s plan to replace sidewalks along the business area of South Main St.

But before that project can get underway, some other drainage issues need to be addressed.

Dye placed in a catch basin on the corner of Church and South Main showed water from that basin was running into the basement of the former Montrose Publishing building.

Beeman said the state’s plan was to tie a storm drain into the existing catch basin. The engineer showed Leeward – the company working on the Rt. 706 project – the existing problems. “They quickly realized that was not a good idea,” Beeman said.

Instead, PennDOT would replace the it with a new structure, and it was proposed the borough install about 50-feet of pipe to tie into the other drainage project.

With borough approval, Leeward would complete its portion of the work when they get to that portion of the road project.

Beeman said Leeward estimated that would be in mid-October.

Council members said they did not expect construction to get to the intersection this year.

Councilman Sean Granahan said, “They already said they are not finishing the project this year.”

Beeman replied, “It didn’t sound to me like they were knocking off for the season.” He said he had spoken with Leeward late Monday afternoon, just prior to the council meeting. “All indications are this year,” he said.

Beeman said the estimated project cost for Leeward’s portion would be about $16,310.

“Ideally there’s a pipe there waiting for them,” Beeman said.

Councilman Criag Reimel said the project had not been budgeted for this year but “we have the money to do it.”

Greg Myer also brought several drainage and Rt. 706 project concerns to the council.

He said there is a concrete ridge that runs through the middle of Church St. and the project crews are using an excavator to break it up.

“It jars buildings,” he said and warned the same issue would continue as the project moves into the business area of town.

He also questioned the drain that was installed in front of the old Montrose hospital. Myer alleged the drain did not meet the state’s own requirements.

“In 50 years it won’t mean anything,” he said, “but for now, it’s front and center.”