News Summary
Residents of Beckside Road in North Providence have been dealing with a failing sewage line for over two decades, causing property damage and health risks. This outdated clay pipe, dating back to the early 1900s, is collapsing and has led to repeated sewage backups in homes, prompting locals to appeal for urgent action. Mayor Charles Lombardi has reportedly hindered efforts to resolve the issue, emphasizing the town’s inaction in private property matters. As residents express frustration at Town Council meetings, the potential for worsening living conditions looms.
North Providence – Residents of Beckside Road have been grappling with a deteriorating sewage line for over 20 years, resulting in severe property damage and posing a risk to the nearby Woonasquatucket River. Homeowners have reported experiencing sewage backups that flood their properties, and concerns continue to rise about the health hazards stemming from potential contamination of the river.
The sewage line, an undersized clay pipe that dates back to the early 1900s, is now in a state of collapse, further complicating the living conditions for residents. As property owners face these challenges, many have resorted to hiring plumbers bi-annually to clear the line, with experts warning them they are on “borrowed time.” Despite these urgent needs, Mayor Charles Lombardi has allegedly obstructed efforts to resolve the situation, claiming that the town’s involvement could set a precedent for similar projects, thus discouraging action.
Residents have expressed frustration over the town’s inaction. Lombardi has stated that the town cannot intervene in issues affecting private property, leaving homeowners feeling helpless. Public Works Director Bernie Salvatore has referred to the sewer line as “done, completely done” in earlier assessments, suggesting necessary actions that have yet to be implemented due to bureaucratic complications.
Homeowners Andy and Christine Johnson, who purchased their residence in 2003, have repeatedly sought assistance, trying to navigate the complexities around the sewage issue since their arrival. In 2016, Lombardi informed residents that addressing the sewer line would be their responsibility, as the town would not accept ownership of the problem. This lack of responsiveness culminated in a desperate proposal submitted to the North Providence Town Council in late 2022, where residents requested the installation of a new sewer line. However, council meetings have failed to yield any tangible solutions.
Discussions regarding the financing of repairs remain contentious. Town officials have indicated that relocating the line to the front of the homes would necessitate the purchase of pumps for the residents due to the slope of their properties, adding further financial burden. Homeowners have voiced their concerns about flooding, fearing that if the sewage situation deteriorates further, they could face homelessness.
The cumulative stress of sewer backups and flooding has taken a toll on families raising children in the area. Residents have continued to express their dissatisfaction at Town Council meetings, urging for immediate solutions to avert the potential loss of their homes. The Johnsons have meticulously documented the escalating sewage crisis and plan to present their findings at the upcoming council meeting on August 6, seeking to emphasize the urgent need for action.
The ongoing situation involving the sewage line on Beckside Road highlights a significant infrastructure issue that has persisted for decades. With residents advocating for solutions amid growing despair, the potential long-term effects on their community and their property values remain uncertain. As discussions continue, the residents of Beckside Road stand at a critical juncture, desperately requesting help in rectifying a problem that has been left unresolved for far too long.
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Additional Resources
- Valley Breeze: Neighborhood Not Pleased with North Providence Housing Proposal
- Wikipedia: Sewage System
- WPRI: Sewer Rates to Jump 23% in Providence Area
- Google Search: North Providence Sewage Issues
- Valley Breeze: North Smithfield Explores Tax District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sewage
- Providence Journal: RI Summer Beach Traffic
- Google News: North Providence Infrastructure
