Water Runoff Problem 'Up to the Residents' to Fix

The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners took no action Thursday night concerning a water runoff problem affecting residents on Irlyn and Foothill roads.

Irlyn and Foothill roads are private roads that are not dedicated to the township; therefore the township is not responsible for their upkeep. Last month, residents living on those roads asked the township for assistance.

Township Engineer David Tettemer, who investigated storm water runoff into the roads from Church Road, recommended that commissioners take no action.

"I would leave everything the way it is," Tettemer said. "There's no indication that the [Church Road] drain for the culvert is no issue for the [private] roadway. It's in need of repair. Over the last 20 years, a tree has fallen that's diverted water, but it's not a municipal issue."

Commissioners and township solicitor John Ashley agreed that the township shouldn't set a precedent by repairing private property.

"Much as it would be nice to help these people out, you don't want to go onto private property," Ashley said.

"I think it's up to the residents to figure this out," commissioner Debra Brinton said. "It's going to cost them money to get the roads where they need to be. [The roads] have been there a long time and need work."