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    February 27, 2019
    Fourth Avenue between Rt. 39 and Ninth Street has been a topic of conversation and recreation for the past several weeks. The spot has jokingly been referred to as the municipal swimming pool, trout pond or ice rink. But it is no joke to the Mayor and town crew. Work will begin this week to determine the location and cause of the problem. S. Stewart photo

    Sam Felton
    Mayor

    For the last several weeks, Fourth Avenue has looked like a good place for an ice rink or some kind of water feature. And, really, it’s not much different than my own back yard.

    I know a lot of people are going to be disappointed when they read this, because I have heard about the hopes of a fishing pier on Fourth Avenue, at Woodford Oil, and the excitement surrounding plans for a possible marina. After all, a fueling station is already there.

    But as comedian Dana Carvey would say, “It ain’t gonna happen.”

    I don’t want to burst any bubbles, but we do plan to reopen Fourth Avenue as a route to and from the post office. The town crew has made various attempts to open the drains – without digging. Keeping water out long enough to work on the problem has been an issue.

    The weather has been wetter than normal, and the water issue has only gotten worse. Something must be done, and digging is our only option.

    Water-meter readings for the next billing cycle should be completed by noon Tuesday. If necessary, we may pump water out of Fourth Avenue to begin repairs. As soon as the water goes away, you will see the town crew working there. We suspect a line has collapsed in the area of the post office or downstream from there. Finding the problem may not be easy, but you have to break eggs to make an omelet.

    The windstorm put the Cemetery Hill pump station out of service for about nine hours. The tanks were all full and repairs were made without any lapse in service.

    Thanks to all involved.

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