OGDENSBURG, New York (WWNY) – An Ogdensburg property owner is looking for solutions after runoff from a neighboring parking lot repaving project began flowing toward his house.
Drainage dispute
Paul Langley, who lives at 408 Cedar Street, says the company that leases the site next door to state police had its parking lot repaved.
According to Langley, the paving company created a new downward slope and a short drainage ditch aiming runoff at his house.
“The work that I did to save my foundation or my basement from being flooded is – I started this drainage ditch,” Langley said.
During an August downpour, the ditch he dug did its job, but Langley says he is angered that he had to dig it and says it is not a permanent fix.
City response
He has taken his case to the property owner, DeFelsko Corporation, and city code enforcement.
Langley says he was warned he would not like the answer he got from city hall, and he did not. The letter said there was no actionable violation of city code by DeFelsko or the paving company.
“I do not understand why this isn’t being seen as a glaring property code violation. I don’t see how anybody can’t recognize the problem that’s going on here and which is being ignored by the people who sent me this letter,” Langley said.
DeFelsko, city manager respond
An official with DeFelsko disputes that the paving company did any regrading, saying it simply laid a new layer of asphalt.
City Manager Fonda Chronis told 7 News it is a civil matter and the city cannot solve every problem between property owners.
7 News could not reach the paving company for comment.
Langley’s request
Langley says he does not want money, just a permanent solution.
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