Residents Ask for Sewer Extension Cost Relief

Residents of Winding Way and Spring Valley Drive have been considering a proposal to proceed with sewer connections in their neighborhood.

But just as the number consenting to the work is almost at the level needed for the project to proceed is reached, some are asking the township to try and help reduce the projected costs.

The township wants 70 percent of the residents to sign agreements for a special assessment to pay for the sewer extension, and township Health Officer Glen Belnay told the Township Committee on Tuesday that he has 22 of the 34 needed to advance the project.

"I think we're approaching the consensus the committee is looking for of 70 percent," Dr. Belnay said at Tuesday's meeting.

He called the project a "win for everybody," since—if approved—the sewers would replace septic systems approaching 30 years old.

Winding Way resident David Brooks said the residents understand the estimated $850,000 they will be assessed for the sewer work and connections, but were concerned about the estimated $400,000 for road paving and repair.

"Right now, the cost of putting in the sewer is about equivalent to putting in a new septic system," Brooks said. "So, a number of the people we spoke with are just saying the cost is too much.

"We believe with a little help from you folks, we can lower that cost to each of us and get those hesitant to sign up to reach the needed majority," he said.

Brooks noted when residents in the Claremont area recently had sewers installed, the cost of milling and paving the streets was not passed on to residents—although he did note Winding Way and Spring Valley Drive were repaved only six years ago.

The Claremont work, completed in November 2011, used a state financing program that enabled the township to borrow the money for the work from the state and assess the property owners directly for the cost.

Mayor Frank DelCore told Brooks the committee will discuss what could be done to reduce the costs of the road work.