Bristol Borough is looking into taking PennDOT to court for damages to Mill Street, a state-owned road, officials said at Monday night’s Council meeting.
The crux of the matter, according to Borough Manager Jim Dillon, are long-lasting stormwater drainage issues in the heart of the merchant district.
Borough officials said they have been in discussions with PennDOT for over a year now without making any significant progress, as the state road agency says the Borough is responsible for maintaining state roads in Bristol.
Borough Engineer Amanda Fuller said PennDOT has taken a position dating back to the 90’s that any storm water utility pipe under a state road is the Borough’s responsibility to maintain and replace if necessary.
It’s not just a Bristol issue, it is statewide, Fuller said, noting the case law on the subject does not support PennDOT’s stance.
“It does not appear there’s a whole lot of concrete evidence for them to stand on this policy … they are now upholding.”
Bristol Borough over the last few years has also tried to engage PennDOT about Green Lane stormwater and flooding issues with no success as of yet.
Bringing the solicitor into the conversation at this point to see what can be done because it is really a difficult undertaking for a small Borough to maintain the entire stormwater infrastructure not only on locally owned roads but also on the state roads.
The aging infrastructure and pipes that were probably put in decades ago are at the heart of the matter.
Council approved the resolution unanimously.
In a related Council item members voted to approve the hiring, effective Aug 1st of Peter F Ray as Assistant Borough Manager.
Credit: New Hope Borough
Gray currently serves as New Hope Borough manager.
Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said discussions have been ongoing with bringing Gray to Bristol.
He said Gray and current manager Dillon worked together in Falls Township years ago and will work together well.
Interestingly enough it is almost two years to the day Dillon agreed to become “interim” Morrisville Borough Manager.
DiGuiseppe said he expects Gray to take over as Borough Manager when Dillon retires in the years to come.
Gray was not immediately available for comment as of publication time.