By NIKKI DEMENTRI, KERRI CORRADO
Neighbors in Lower Makefield Township say they are struggling to recover from flash flooding last month and are concerned about their homes’ future.
Wednesday night, they spoke with township leaders about their concerns.
Three weeks have passed since Lower Makefield was hit by a flash flood.
The affected areas say they want to know what the plan is to ensure their safety moving forward.
Keeping us safe should be part of a short-term plan, not something that will take years to complete.
Residents of Lower Makefield gave everything they had and took matters into their own hands.
It has already been conceded that our family will have to do without things they had before, things we paid for, owned, and took care of, and now they are gone,” the man said.
In response to flooding near their homes, they attended the Township Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday night.
Specifically, they want a long-term fix, a detailed plan for how the township will move forward, and better communication.
At the moment, half of the house is unusable, April Bollwage-Cloer said.
Bollwage-Cloer lives on Maplevale Drive and has a hole in her backyard. Her belongings are ruined and she lives on top of her house.
“We want to know how we can make our homes safe. I’m wondering why these people do not turn on their lights at 2 o’clock in the morning, or go out with flashlights to make sure their streets won’t flood when there is a storm warning or rain. “We want that,” Bollwage-Cloer said.
Additionally, the Gambles live on Maplevale Drive and say their house has been damaged.
While they had people over, eight cars were lost.
“Four floods is enough for one lifetime,” he said.
According to Lower Makefield Township, engineers are evaluating storm water and upstream conditions and working toward a permanent solution.
David Kratzer Jr., the Lower Makefield Township manager, said, “We are committed to being comprehensive and holistic in our approach moving forward.”
Township officials say they are working with county, state, and federal officials to assist with the cleanup.
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