Water issues linger in the aftermath of Irene and Lee

Stanhope — Members of the Stanhope Borough Council, the borough administrator, and the borough engineer discussed drainage issues within certain sections of Stanhope caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee at the Tuesday, Oct. 11, council meeting. Engineer Eric Keller said groundwater issues have impacted properties along Roberts Place, Walton Place, and Lakeview Terrace. Administrator Brian McNeilly said some mitigation funds are available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, some of the responsibility to rectify the issue falls on the county’s shoulders which oversees maintenance of County Route 602, also known as Brooklyn Stanhope Road. Runoff travels from Route 602 down through woods onto Roberts Place and other streets, McNeilly said. Money from FEMA will provide for riprap rock to prevent further erosion and minimize flooding. McNeilly said FEMA reimburses 75 percent of the actual cost of damages. In other business Members of the council unanimously approved a resolution prohibiting elected officials in the municipality from participating in the NJ Health Benefits Plan. Elected officials in the state may receive benefits through the plan but municipalities have the option to ban them from participating. No members of Stanhope’s council currently receive benefits through Stanhope. Cameras have been installed in borough police cars and members of the police department have participated in an orientation program to use the devices. There are plans to pave Sparta Road between November 10-11. In honor of the National Community Planning Month, a program through the non-profit American Planning Association (an organization which helps communities to plan healthy and safe places to live and work), Stanhope created a proclamation to declare the month of October as Community Planning Month. Mayor Diana Kuncken recognized the volunteers of the borough’s Land Use Board. “We are impressed by the dedication of those who have served,” said Kuncken.