Sinkhole on East Cherry prompts repair plan; borough weighs eminent-domain option for adjacent property

A sinkhole at the 900 block of East Cherry Street prompted borough staff to describe a staged repair plan and to report coordination with the water company over whether the water service can be relocated before excavation.

Staff told the council the sinkhole has been slowly expanding but that dry weather has helped; the property affected has been without water since July. The borough is waiting for the water company to determine whether the water service can be relocated before excavation; if the water line relocation is not possible, the borough said it will proceed to fix the hole first and address the water-service relocation afterward. No timeline was announced beyond starting work when a contractor is available.

Separately, during the borough manager’s report staff discussed an agreement developed several years ago with Thomas Hammond Sr. to allow the borough to take title to two properties at his death; staff said they have repeatedly tried to contact Hammond, who now lives in Frederick, Maryland, and that Hammond has remarried. Staff said the agreement remains unsigned, deed records do not show a change, and the borough has already passed a resolution related to the property in the past. Staff said taking the next step would require an ordinance to pursue eminent domain for the two remaining properties; council was told this is a ‘‘loose end’’ and that staff would bring the matter back for further action on a future agenda.

No eminent-domain ordinance or other formal action was adopted at this meeting. Staff said the issue is well-documented and that they will present a formal item for council consideration if further steps are recommended by the solicitor.