SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A long-awaited flood project that would prevent damage to homes has hit a major roadblock in one local community. People living in Scranton's Green Ridge section have been dealing with damage from the crumbling Meadow Brook waterway for decades.
While the project was supposed to begin soon, it's not going anywhere until property owners give their approval.
The two-mile stretch of waterway cuts through parts of Dunmore and Scranton to provide flood relief during heavy rains.
Much of it, though, runs beneath homes, 47 homes to be exact.
In order for the $12,000,000 state-funded project to begin, people living there need to sign easement agreements giving temporary or permanent access to their land.
But so far, only three have signed, leaving the project stuck in limbo.
"It's pretty important. If a pipe is crumbling underneath your property, I believe by us replacing it, the city replacing it, it will increase the value of your property," said Scranton Council President Gerald Smurl.
The issue of property value is, apparently, a major factor when it comes to the challenges the city faces in getting these signatures.
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Lackawanna County's recent tax reassessment has boosted the appraised value of many homes in the area, leading some residents to look for more compensation for the easements.
"It's an easement. We're not taking the property from them, and this is just to fix something that's broken under your property," Smurl added.
Smurl believes the longer it takes to begin the project, the higher the risk of a collapse under one of the affected properties.
One resident 28/22 News spoke with who hasn't yet signed, says he's fine with the amount the city will compensate him, but he has a few conditions that must be met first.
"I want the property put back the way it is right now, with a new wall in the backyard, which they are going to replace when they come through," Scranton resident Albert Young said.
He says he will sign the easement once he has these conditions in writing from the city, ensuring that his carport and blacktop will be replaced and that his property has the proper drainage to prevent flooding.
"Everyone should take a look at what is offered, and let's just get this project finished," Young added.
Until all 47 property owners sign the easement agreements, the project won't get underway.
Smurl tells 28/22 New that even if this project gets the green light, it will take around two years to finish.
