Hempfield supervisors for the second consecutive month opted to not take any action on a request from Greensburg to use eminent domain on two township properties for a planned flood control project.
Supervisor Doug Weimer said after the meeting he wanted updated information about easement agreements and offers Greensburg has made to city property owners related to the project.
One of the Hempfield property owners, Carissa Leonard, asked supervisors to reject Greensburg’s request. Leonard said she’s concerned about how the project will be maintained and that water issues may arise from it in addition to reducing the curb appeal of her New Alexandria Road home.
“Right now, I have the only residential property, basically, in that small area,” she said. “It’s very secluded at the moment. With this project, it’s going to be wide open.”
Greensburg officials have been working with property owners for the past year to secure easements along an unnamed stream that runs parallel to Glenview Avenue in the Northmont neighborhood. It flows mostly through backyards and goes underground before connecting to Jacks Run near Lynch Field.
The work funded through a state grant will involve the construction of culverts and U-channels along the stream.
The majority of property owners have OK’d easement agreements. Greensburg council has approved $12,000 in total payments for easements in past months to three property owners.
Negotiations have been continuing with five remaining property owners, including Leonard, in hopes to avoid eminent domain. Greensburg council in March gave its solicitor authorization to file a declaration of taking at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
The five remaining easements are on properties on New Alexandria Road, Albert Way and Northmont Street.
Supervisor George Reese said he hopes Leonard and Greensburg can work something out.
“I’m not a supporter of eminent domain, I don’t believe in that,” he said. “But I will tell you, I support that project.”
Hempfield manager Aaron Siko said the township would see a $1.7 million total investment out of the total $6.5 million project, saving costs on infrastructure improvements on Roosevelt Way.
Greensburg will handle the entire project, including the work and maintenance on the Hempfield sections.
Flooding has been happening in that neighborhood for decades, according to city officials and Trib archives.