Shamed into action

The Albright Avenue Bridge is clear of debris for the first time since flooding in late June piled trees and muck, causing a flood threat.

Contrary to news reports crediting the compassion of George Parker, neighbors joined with posters from DohertyDeceit.com to demand action be taken. Posters attempted to organize a work party but the conditions under the bridge prevented the work from being done safely.

The group then innundated city council and the Mayor's office with phone calls. The Times-Tribune and local TV stations were contacted. In the face of mounting pressure, George Parker suddenly had a change of heart.

Citing concern for expected bad weather over the weekend, Parker ordered the men and rental equipment he didn't have last week to appear at the bridge and do the work. In under four hours, the bridge was clear.

In an article in the Times Tribune Thursday, Gardner Avenue resident Dan Hubbard said “That should take some of the apprehension away,” “Everybody’s been pretty much on edge with the way the weather is, especially because it’s been raining so much this week alone.”

Why did this fiasco occur? It's the responsibility of the city to clear the blockages and the work is one of the reasons Scranton has a Department of Public Works. Yet, Parker seemed intent on having the job bid. Could the delay have been a message to the people of lower Green Ridge?

Ironically, in the July 4th edition of the Times Tribune, residents complained about the city's response. “It’s like lower Green Ridge doesn’t exist,” Connie Sacchetti said.

Hubbard echoed those thoughts in the same article. “Councilwoman Janet Evans came out and later (Council President) Judy Gatelli." Hubbord stated. “Our losses are in the thousands and we have yet to see anyone from the mayor’s office, the county or the state and that’s a big concern.”

Lower Green Ridge residents soon found themselves staring at the sky and the pile of debris left under the bridge, waiting for the rain they knew would come and begging the city to remove the tangle of trees that could block the flow of water and trigger a new round of flooding.

Was the delay in cleaning under the bridge retribution? Why did Parker have the crews and assets to clear the right-of-way on Hollow Avenue but not this project? How did the men and assets suddenly become available to Parker when the bridge threatened to become a Public Relations nightmare?

Where was the Mayor when a neighborhood sat, day in and out, waiting for a thunderstorm to flood their neighborhood because of a lack of essential river maintenance?

Is it time to replace Parker with someone who can get the important jobs done without all this drama? Is it time to replace a man who would let residents' anxiety build with every raindrop when the solution is so simple? Is it time to expect more from our public officials?

You decide.

I'm waiting for the Sunday Times because I'm sure a picture of the cleared bridge will be framed by "Something has been done" and a paragraph or two on how last weeks' photo made it happen.

Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to really make this happen. Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Sacchetti, sleep well tonight. Your neighbors care about you.