AUSTINTOWN Officials consider grant to fix Kleber Ave. flooding

A letter from residents says the flooding is intolerable.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- Township officials most likely will seek state funding to help address flooding problems on Kleber Avenue.
Township Administrator Michael Dockry said the township probably will ask for a state Issue 2 grant to pay for between 80 and 90 percent of a project to expand storm sewer capacity on and around the road. The township would pay for the rest.
The project could cost $200,000 to $300,000, Dockry said. Kleber Avenue is located just east of state Route 11 between Mahoning Avenue and Norquest Boulevard.
If the state approves the grant next spring, the project could receive the money July 1, 2004. Dockry noted that the township may break the project into phases to give it a better chance of receiving a grant.
Letter of complaint
On Wednesday, township officials received a letter written by Diane Borovitcky and signed by about 50 Kleber Avenue residents demanding that the township trustees address flooding problems on the road. The letter states that this summer's heavy rains have made flooding problems "intolerable."
Borovitcky's mother lives on the road.
"Rainwater overflowing from the street coupled with runoff from commercial development on Mahoning Avenue results in knee-deep pools," the letter states. "We implore you: Please help us."
The letter adds that residents are worried flooding could cause the growth of mold and mildew and damage homes.
When told of the township's plans to expand sewer capacity on the road, Borovitcky responded, "Finally." She said flooding has been a problem on the road for 30 years.
Borovitcky said she decided to write the letter late last month after rainwater flooded her mother's front and back yards.
"Sitting there, watching her helpless, watching all of the water going in her house, it made me want to do something," she said.
Borovitcky asked residents to sign the letter at a Kleber Avenue block party.
Dockry said the township first considered expanding storm sewer capacity on the road five years ago. At the time, however, there were other projects in the township that had a greater need for state funding, he said.
hill@vindy.com