Michael O’Connor will have to wait until next summer for an end to years of frustration over a water drainage problem in his home. O’Connor, who is a spokesman for the Neighborhood Action Group, or NAG, says the years waiting for a resolution has taken its toll on Rotterdam residents.
The problem has been disguised as ‘water in people’s basements,’ but what really transcends is a problem with ground water in this area, as well as other parts of our town, said O’Connor.
O’Connor is a resident in the Masullo Estates area of town, where residents said they have been living with flooded basements for years. Last year, the town hired an engineer from a firm in Cobleskill to survey the land and come up with a solution, but they dismissed the solution, saying it was too costly and not feasible because of the proximity to the Thruway.
Masullo Parkway is located near the Thruway and a set of train tracks, creating a less-than-desirable situation for connecting a drainage system, said Supervisor Steve Tommasone.
`We acknowledge the residents’ frustration and look forward to resolving the situation,` said Tommasone.
Councilman John Mertz said the town is plans to run pipe through the neighborhoods and connect it to a state drainpipe, and residents have called Mertz a `champion,` adding that he has worked hard to address their needs.
`He (Mertz) has seen the problem first-hand and has relentlessly pursued remediation for not only us but other affected areas of town as well. His efforts have continued to be vital to the eventual success of this endeavor, `said O’Connor.
O’Connor said another aspect of this problem is the state of disrepair that the surrounding roads are in. He said the town has repeatedly said they would fix the drainage situation before they spend time or money on the roads. NAG plans to demand road repairs be done in conjunction with the drainage work.
O’Connor said the group will continue to bring these issues to town board meetings.“