Sandbags provide brief flood relief on Roberts Drive

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, March 19, 2009

Residents near Cayuga Creek on Roberts Drive have received at least some temporary relief from flooding, according to Deputy Supervisor Robert E. Herman.

Herman, who was filling in for vacationing Supervisor Steven C. Richards at Tuesday's Town Board meeting, said there was more flooding in the Tuscarora Road area after heavy rains on March 7.

On March 8, Richards and Herman walked the creek from Porter Road, and in a wooded portion found that a v-shaped area had been worn away in the creek bank by water. That water was going into the Roberts Drive back yards. Workers from the town Highway Department cut away brush and debris and brought in a couple hundred sandbags.

After another heavy rain the night of March 9, Herman said, his own back yard was puddled. "I drove over and was sure that area would be flooded, but it wasn't."

The board will be looking for more permanent fixes once its engineers bring in a final report on flooding from Cayuga Creek. Richards has contended that improper drainage from areas outside the town are causing the creek flooding in the town.

In other matters:

•The board approved a $12,000 expenditure to rent a stage from Indigo Productions for the four summer concerts planned this year at the town park off Lockport Road. The board also approved the appointment of Tom Darro as official master of ceremonies for the concert series.

•The board approved the purchase of three vehicles for the police department under the state bid procedure - a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 for $28,841 from Hoselton Chevrolet and two 2009 Ford Crown Victorias from Motors Fleet for $39,199. The latter price includes the trade-ins of two current vehicles.

•The board approved the liquor license renewal for Casa Nova Restaurant, 3041 Military Road.