Flooding, ambulance shortage discussed at Boardman trustee meeting
BOARDMAN, Ohio - $27 million dollars in FEMA grants could help mitigate Boardman's flooding issues.
"There will be a lot of groundwork maybe this week for a component that requires some photographing and some cost-benefit analysis and it could be upwards of 200-plus properties that may need to be addressed," explained Jason Loree, Boardman Twp. Administrator at Monday's trustees meeting.
Two separate FEMA BRIC grants could pay for several projects, eventually helping up to 2,000 homes and businesses in the center of town.
"One would be to convey storm water through its own pipe system to Cranberry Run and another one could be to add detention both above ground and underground to the Boardman Plaza," Loree explained.
Loree added this project is a literal ripple effect, also solving the issues for dozens of neighboring streets.
"Once that water from the center of town starts moving it heads north, it hits at least 1500 properties going north," Loree added.
"The people on the border, I don't feel like it's going to help us any," said Dana Nicholson, who lives on Brandon Ave.
This won't solve the issue for every Boardman home. Those affected by flooding are patiently waiting for help but understand the township is doing what it can.
"Places like the Glen recently got flooding and immediately Boardman Township was out there," Nicholson added. "What do you think the solution is for your property," asked 21 News' Erin Simonek. "I don't know. I don't know if it's the pipes underground," Nicholson said.
Along with flooding concerns in the township, Fire Chief Pitzer added the lack of ambulances in the township caused quite a bit of concern last Friday, November 11.
"Life-threatening emergencies and we were struggling to find ambulances," Chief Pitzer told 21 News.
Pitzer said to trustees Monday that 3 people called for an ambulance including a stroke and burn victim. There was a delayed response getting to those in need. The burn victim had to drive himself to the hospital because there were no vehicles available. Chief Pitzer pointed to staffing as the main issue.
"We have a shortage of interests in our profession and a shortage of employees," Pitzer added. "We have a paramedic shortage in the area and ultimately, for Boardman specifically, it would be nice to expand the service we provide because the demand is great."
Pitzer said only 8 people are currently enrolled in MCCTC's paramedic program.
The flooding data will be submitted to FEMA later this month and then it takes up to 6 months to hear if the grants were approved.
The township will then hold a storm water meeting update sometime in early 2023.
