ORWIGSBURG — Disrespect shown to homeowners who have a public easement running through their property was enough to cancel the opening and reading of bids for an interconnect project in Orwigsburg.
“It was still stupid and ugly and never should have happened,” Orwigsburg Borough Manager Robert Williams said to the borough council Wednesday about an incident that took place Thursday on the property of Scott and Sandra Sopko, who live on Ridgeview Drive.
Contractors, who were not identified Wednesday, came on their property and were talking to Sandra Sopko disrespectfully, Williams said. The incident was witnessed by police Chief Stan Brozana and others.
“I felt physically threatened,” Sandra Sopko said to the council.
She was thankful her husband, Williams and Brozana were there. The individuals then left the property after being asked by Williams and told that they would be escorted off the property by Brozana if they did not leave. Contractors were there for a project that will eventually bring water to two proposed developments nearby.
The Orwigsburg Bulk Water Project involves the meter pit and a meter connection for proposed development in the area on the site of the old Deer Lake Drive-In.
In all, 220 apartments are possible by Forino Co. LP, Sinking Spring. International Custom Build Homes Inc., Allentown, is also seeking to build on 80 acres along Brick Hill Road and Route 61. Homes and commercial businesses are possible.
“The issue is supplying the water. We will be billed as a bulk customer from Orwigsburg and we will in turn bill the individual customers of West Brunswick Township via residential and commercial,” Schuylkill County Municipal Authority executive director Patrick Caulfield said previously.
The couple talked about previous problems they have had with Forino and how they do not want similar ones.
“We just want the job done right,” Sandra Sopko said.
They said they are wiling to hear what the engineer has to say.
“We understand what has to be done and what you guys are trying to achieve,” Sandra Sopko said.
The Sopkos also expressed concern about the ground saturation in the area.
“That swail is in the easement area,” Sandra Sopko said.
The couple said they were not kept informed about what any changes would be to the property once it is disturbed or allowed to look at the plans.
Bryon Killian, Entech Engineering, admitted that was his fault.
“That was an oversight by myself,” he said.
He is willing to sit down with the Sopkos and talk about their concerns.
Council President Buddy Touchinsky asked Sandra Sopko if she knew the identify of those who were being disrespectful. She said she did not know their identity.
Williams asked if anyone has considered an alternate route for the required utility. Killian said he did not know.
“At this point there is a lot of unknowns,” Touchinsky said.
Williams said bids submitted previously that were due to be opened Monday are void and new bids must be submitted. The borough will advertise for bids for the project at a later date with specific requests of the Sopkos.
Williams said the borough will also do a better job of communicating with the homeowner about this issue.
The Sopkos declined to comment after talking with the council.