During the Macungie Borough Council meeting July 7, residents from the Ridings development attended with various complaints of excessive stormwater draining onto their properties from the Fields at Brookside development.

An overflow of residents from the Ridings expressed their concerns over water draining onto their properties from this new development. The Fields at Brookside is the development located adjacent to Brookside Country Club and west of the Ridings. Residents from the Ridings are suggesting the houses being built in this area and the further development of this new neighborhood is causing water to drain into the Ridings neighborhood.

Residents said they have never experienced water draining onto their properties as it is happening recently.

A concern was expressed over filters placed in certain areas. Questions arose as to the timing of changing these filters due to the possibility of being clogged.

Attempts have been made to stop this drainage. A swale was created with areas of drainage being pitched toward the swale. A suggestion was made to create “eyebrows” which are raised tar mounds by sewer inlets. A “black sock” is placed on the property line to stop the flow of water into the Ridings.

Engineers from Barry Isett & Associates were in attendance to answer residents’ questions and address their concerns. Residents expressed additional concern over the time element. There is a forecast of excessive rainfall over the next couple of days and residents are hoping for this problem to be a priority.

It was mentioned roads in the new development will not be paved until all houses are completed and this problem is solved. Also there will be no release of any escrow until this is fixed.

A meeting was suggested with the Lehigh County Conservation District. The possible date is July 8.

Macungie Police Association’s Union contract is up for renewal. Council members John Yerman, Rob Rozak and Carl Sell are on a committee to work on this negotiation process, Currently the contract is for four years.

An executive session was held for litigation and personnel issues.