The smiley-faced water tower in Longport is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – The ongoing work on the borough’s smiley-faced water tower caused a bit of an alarm Monday, when a “perfect storm” of events caused residents to call the borough stating they had no electricity and no water.
According to Borough Administrator A. Scott Porter, the members of the Public Works Department had the problem resolved “within minutes.”
In an effort to be proactive and not create a panic, the borough quickly posted a notice on the borough website, stating that the borough was aware of the situation and that it was working to restore service.
Porter said power went out, but generators quickly went into service and water pressure was restored within 5-8 minutes. About a half-dozen residents called the borough to report they had no or low water pressure.
“Our guys got it up and running and all pressure was restored,” Porter said.
The water tower was completely drained last week to enable contractors to repair and paint the interior of the water tank during the off-season when usage is lower. According to city engineer Ed Dennis Jr. of Remington & Vernick Engineers, the project will be completed by April when out-of-town property owners return to their summer residences.
Dennis said the contractor would be constructing the scaffolding for the containment system this week, which could allow them to work in cold weather.
“They have no concern about completing the project by April,” Dennis said.
Solicitor Michael Affanato said when the city transitioned from the water tower to direct flow from the well, a homeowner had damage to their pipes, which was resolved and may involve an insurance claim. No one reported discoloration of their water, he said.
In his public project report, Dennis said the Atlantic Avenue reconstruction project between 22nd and 27th avenues is slated to begin in two weeks. Utility work will be done during the winter months with street paving in spring.
Dennis also reported that the NJ DOT would award Longport $209,000 for the next phase of Atlantic Avenue, from 27th to 32nd avenues near the Margate border.
Dennis also updated the public on the concrete and drainage work being done on Monmouth Avenue. The project had started but was delayed for a few days because of rain. The project will proceed through winter and is weather dependent. Street paving could also be done in spring, he said.
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