Politics & Government
Newark Ave. Flooding Fix Expected to Cost Under $9K
The Westwood Council introduced an ordinance appropriating $8,920 for drainage improvements.
Storms lasting just 10 or 15 minutes have sent several feet of water flooding through Newark Avenue in Westwood, residents have said.
A project to replace drainage pipes in the neighborhood with larger ones may be all it takes to fix the problem, according to borough engineer Stephen Boswell. The Westwood Council introduced an ordinance to appropriate $8,920 for the improvements during their meeting last week.
The problem on Newark Avenue is that, even though it is several feet above the flood plain, water from other nearby streets flows down there and the drain pipes apparently can't handle the load during severe storms. Newark Avenue resident Claire Keller said there had been five floods in just 13 months.
A pipe that's just 6 or 12 inches wider than the existing pipe may be sufficient, according to Boswell.
The council is expected to vote on the ordinance at their meeting next week, which is their last of the year.
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