Recommendation Regarding Proposed Area in Need of Rehabilitation #19-05

sewer manholes in this section of Main Street need to be replaced with larger pipes with water tight joints and new manholes of precast concrete. The water main here along Main Street is only eight inches in diameter, and it supplies the network of water mains on streets that intersect Main Street with potable water for both domestic and firefighting purposes. In other sections of West Orange the local water purveyor, New Jersey American Water Company, has upgraded its distribution system along main roadways to 12 inch and 16 inch diameter water mains which then supply the intersecting streets and adjoining neighborhoods with potable water. This has assured adequate domestic water supply but more importantly the larger mains provide improved flows for firefighting. Main Street and surrounding neighborhoods are some of the most densely populated areas in the Township with most construction of wood frame. To provide higher water flow rates for firefighting, the eight inch water main in Main Street needs to be enlarged. Additionally | reviewed the age of the existing housing stock along Main Street in these two blocks with the records on file in the office of the Tax Assessor, Kevin Dillon. In Block 116, there are a total of 45 housing units including 34 in the Llewellyn Hotel. These units were constructed during the period 1882 to 1932. In Block 116.01 there are a total of 23 housing units with construction during the period 1871 to 1923. Along Main Street and in particular between Babcock Place and Washington Street, the age of the sewer and water infrastructure and the existing housing stock is well in excess of 50 years. Furthermore, the age of the sanitary sewer system results in high levels of infiltration during wet weather periods leading to sewer surcharging and overflows. Additionally, the size of the water main in Main Street limits fire flow rates in this section of West Orange. Both the sewer and water system along Main Street need to be improved. A rehabilitation program will promote the improvement of the water and sewer system and the existing housing stock which will improve the public welfare for those along Main Street and surrounding neighborhood. Very truly yours, Director of Public Works LRL/az file;area in need of rehabilitation Main Street