Greensburg moves another step closer to beginning Northmont flood control work

A $6,000 payment for a second easement related to Greensburg’s Northmont flood control project was approved Monday.

City council authorized the payment to John and Rebecca Rosebosly for access to 430 New Alexandria Road, the home of McDonald Auto Clinic.

Solicitor Zachary Kansler said negotiations are underway with four more property owners and he expects amicable resolutions for easement agreements related to the project. The easements will allow construction crews and officials to enter the property, complete infrastructure work and maintain it. Three more proposed easements that haven’t progressed need to be evaluated, he said.

The first easement was approved in December with a property owner for $2,000. The city does not own the properties subject to the easement.

Kansler said the amount of payments depend on the nature of the easement and discussions with the property owner.

Letters were sent early in 2025 to owners of properties that would be affected by the proposed project. The target is an unnamed stream that runs parallel to Glenview Avenue in Greensburg’s Northmont neighborhood. It flows mostly through backyards and goes underground before connecting to Jacks Run near Lynch Field.

Greensburg officials had sought easements on 20 properties in addition to a few that are owned by the city. The majority of property owners have already OK’d easement agreements. Officials are working on clearing out the remainder that haven’t been signed.

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

Flooding has been happening in that neighborhood for decades. The current status of the easements is the most progress officials have made in years of trying to get the project underway.

Properties where easements were being sought are on Roosevelt Way, New Alexandria Road, Harvey Avenue, Albert Way, Kenneth Street, Kenmore Avenue, Northmont Street and Oakhill Avenue. Some are in Hempfield.