Franklin Street residents in China Grove ready for drainage solution

By Jessie Burchette

jburchette@SalisburypostCHINA GROVE — Town officials are continuing to get heat from the Welter family over a long-running drainage problem.

Last month, the town agreed to install a drainage pipe across two properties on Franklin Street, including a rental property at 103 N. Franklin Ave. owned by Alderman Allen Welter and his wife, Barbara. The Welters say water from the street drain knocks the pillars from under the house.

Barbara Welter and Troy Neas of 104 S. Franklin St., the other affected property owner, said they have tried for years to get the town to fix the problem, but nothing had been done.

The Welters have complained about the town's slow pace in fixing the problem. During the town board's public comment period Monday, Barbara Welter reminded aldermen they agreed in October to fix the problem. "I've heard nothing É I will be here every month until you get it done."

Mayor Don Bringle and Town Manager Bill Pless said some details of an easement were being worked out by Town Attorney Tom Brooke and should be ready within the next few days.

A short time later, Mayor Pro Tem Blair Lyseski suggested the town dig a ditch to relieve the problem instead of spending $5,000 or $10,000 to install a pipe.

Lyseski said the town could face a lot of requests from owners of property where street drains cause problems.

Bringle said the board had already voted 3-1 to install the pipe.

Allen Welter, who had been advised last month not to participate in the discussion, took issue with putting in a ditch instead of a pipe. He said the drainage problem had cost him $30,000 in rent from the house over the past five years.

Public Works Director David Ketner said "you could flip a coin" on whether a pipe or ditch is the better solution, but a ditch would require frequent cleaning by town staff.

Lyseski withdrew his motion to install a ditch instead of a pipe.