DPW Won't Store Equipment at Grove Street Lot

Shortly after the end of the 2011 Hurricane season, Superintendent John Lynch proposed for his office during emergencies at the former DPW yard at the end of Grove Street. On Monday night, he reversed direction, stating that his concerns of vandalism and the upset residents outweighed any benefit.

"If I put the equipment up there, there is a chance of vandalism and the residents are unhappy with the idea," Lynch said. "I've taken measures to move the off-season equipment to higher ground on site and create a satellite office in the upstairs attic at the DPW office."

Over the fall, Lynch had initially proposed placing several department-owned cargo trailers on Grove Street to house the off-season equipment such as snow or leaf blowers. The department owns one 10-x-40 foot trailer and three 10-x-20 foot trailers.

"It's a double-edged sword," Lynch said. "If I don't move them then I may lose a plow down the river when it floods, but if I do move them, then I have to worry about someone trying to break in."

A potential compromise that will continue to be explored is utilizing a portion of the second floor at that the Office of Emergency Management uses during emergency weather. The building is already set up with telephone and computer lines along with a desk as a satellite office.

"The space could be pre-set prior to the storm occuring for use as a satellite office until the water recedes enough for the DPW to get back into their own building," Borough Administrator Alan Negreann suggested.

While Council President Paul Cordts motioned to allow Lynch use of the Grove Street location to store his off-season equipment, the rest of the council was against the idea.

"I love the idea of a satellite location but I don't feel this property is the right one," Councilman Johnny Porco said.