Flood control project proposed for Northmont neighborhood of Greensburg

Greensburg is seeking easements on 22 properties to alleviate flooding that has been ongoing for decades in the Northmont section of the city.

Letters were sent Feb. 28 to property owners who would be affected by a proposed flood control project along an unnamed stream that runs parallel to Glenview Avenue. The stream mostly runs through backyards and goes underground before connecting to Jacks Run near Lynch Field.

“It’s been a problem for a while,” said Alec Italiano, director of planning and development.

The proposal will involve the construction of concrete culverts and U-channels along the unnamed stream. Italiano said he expects the project to take up to two years to complete. A potential cost is unknown, but the project will be funded through a state grant. Greensburg workers will be responsible for preparation work, such as clearing brush.

Of the 22 properties targeted, the city owns two. Some are in Hempfield, Italiano said. Attempts to reach several residents in the area Friday were unsuccessful.

Affected properties are on Roosevelt Way, New Alexandria Road, Harvey Avenue, Albert Way, Kenneth Street, Kenmore Avenue, Northmont Street and Oakhill Avenue.

Trib archives indicate city officials discussed the project in 2014 and said then that the problem had been going on for decades. The proposal had been 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.

The current version of the project and easements will not cost property owners anything, Italiano said. The project cannot start until all the easement agreements are signed.

“It’s all designed to positively impact the properties to ease the flooding,” he said. “This project is a long time coming.”

He hopes work can start this year. A public meeting will be held before work commences to provide more information to residents.