Curbing discussed in Nesquehoning

Nesquehoning residents along Willow Lane will need to install curbing as a street project moves forward.

On Wednesday, borough council discussed the Willow Lane sewer and road project and what needs to be done by homeowners.

The borough will be sending out letters to homeowners asking that they begin the process of contracting for the installation of curbing along their property, which is the homeowner’s responsibility in street improvement projects. The borough is hoping curbs can be installed by Nov. 1 if possible so that the road can be prepped for paving early next year.

After a lengthy discussion, which included a little shouting between a contractor and councilman over a previous discussion about a previous curbing project and this project, as well as some talking over one another between council members, the board agreed to a few changes in a letter that will be sent out to residents along Willow Lane.

Council President David Hawk said that the borough is hoping residents can begin the curbing portion soon, so that a base coat can be put down on Willow Lane before winter.

He added that if a resident cannot afford to pay a contractor for the curbing upfront, the resident can contact the borough to set up a payment plan for the curbing costs.

Willow Lane has been under construction since April after the borough received a $150,000 state water and sewer grant to replace the sewer line. In addition, the borough put in $137,328 to complete storm drain work.

Council awarded the contract to Doli Construction.

The sewer line portion of the project is completed, council said, which is why the curbing was discussed.

In other matters, the wastewater treatment plant unit two renovation project is wrapping up.

Hawk said it is very good that the approximate $500,000 project is nearing completion since there have been many issues and delays with the project that pushed it well past the original end date.

Council still needs to sit down with Eastern Environmental to iron out payments and liquidated damages, which total $60,400 as a result of the delays; as well as to see about getting an extended warranty on the paint used in the tank because of peeling that occurred, forcing additional painting to be necessary.

“It will be good to get that unit back in service,” Hawk said, adding that once unit 2 is operational again, the borough will be able to take down units 1 and 3 for maintenance.