Because of several cuts made in the pavement in the adjacent alley, this Kittanning business is seeing water cascading into its basement.
Turney Luke has been in the clothing business for many years. He has been instrumental in community functions, including fundraising and maintenance of the town’s Christmas decorations.
As owner of the 700 Shop, he looked forward to changes to Market Street that the Kittanning Revitalization project would bring - hopefully enticing more customers to visit his store on the 100 block.
However, he points out that the timing of the construction schedule has created problems for him.
Last fall, project contractors made cuts into the alley to prepare burial of utility lines. Those openings in the pavement created places where the water now seeps into the basement of his building - a basement that until last fall, never had water problems.
Luke spoke with M&B Services and thought the problem had been addressed until the gas company began doing similar work. Over the winter, this past week has marked the eighth time he has had to deal with water seeping into his basement.
While Luke has been able to lift boxes of merchandise off the floor and keep it secure in other sections of his building, the massive clean-up that must accompany each episode of cascading water has begun to tax his patience.
“I don’t have a problem with the progress of it, but I have a problem with the follow-through. It doesn’t seem like they get it. The problem is real.
“We are here to sell things and take care of our customers. I can’t do that if I am in the basement cleaning up water,” Luke added.
Luke contacted Kittanning Borough Councilman David Croyle in an effort to find a solution. Croyle, in turn, contacted Senate Engineering Partner William Braun. Braun said he thought the problem had been corrected and was unaware of the ongoing issues. His inspector was scheduled to visit the store and determine the next course of action that can be taken to solve the problem.
Croyle said he identified with Luke’s situation and vowed to do whatever possible to assist in resolving it.
“This is a prominent retail establishment here in Kittanning. Businesses have had to endure everything from parking issues, to street closures and power outages during this project. As a member of Council, I am looking for contractors to communicate effectively with our business community and create schedules that minimize the distractions so these businesses can remain profitable.”
Croyle cited the exodus of as many as 10 businesses in the last two years that have either closed or relocated outside Kittanning Borough.
Luke stated multiple times his support of the project, but needed resolution to his problem.