West Pittston hopes to cut survey cost

WEST PITTSTON – Council President Barry Hosier regretfully informed residents Tuesday night that West Pittston cannot afford to pay for a Base Flood Elevation Survey for every residence.

The surveys are needed by residents who live in the 100-year flood plain to determine furnace, water heater and utility box locations, as discussed at last month's council meeting. The cost for the survey is about $400 to $600 per residence. However, Hosier announced engineering firm Reilly Associates has offered a discount. If batches of about 15 residents request a Base Flood Elevation Survey, Reilly Associates will offer the price of $125 per residence, as examining batches of homes is more effective and cost-efficient than singular requests.

In other matters at the meeting:

• The amended flood plain management ordinance adopted at the last council meeting brought the ordinance into compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, according to correspondence to West Pittston from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The ordinance is part of the plan to enter compliance by Dec. 1 with FEMA.

• Mayor Tony Denisco announced York Avenue will soon have four stop signs installed instead of the current single stop sign. Officials hope the stop signs will prevent speeding on York Avenue.